The Improvement Era

Life and Character of Gladstone,

By Bishop O. F. Whitney, in July Number of ERA.

Vol. I. The Glory of God is Intelligence. NO. 8^_

IMPROVEMENT
ERA.

Organ of Young Men's Mutual Improvement* Associations.

PUBLISHED BY THE GENERAL BOARD.

Jos. F. Smith, ) — ,.. Heber J. Grant, ) Business

B. H. Roberts, f±jxlltors Thos. Hull, \ Managers.

June, 1898.

TABLE OF CONTENTS.

How Do We Think? W. H. Lamaster, 545

The Flight of an Arrow, A Poem , . . . Anon, 54°-

The Faith of the Lutheran Church F. A. Schmidt, D. D., 5«°«>

Confirmation and Baptism in the Lutheran ^^^

Church Rev. J. U. Kildahl^^ 552

What Congregationalism Is Simeon GtlbertyfQ. D., 553

The Presentation of the Baptist Churches Geo. C LoKMgfr, D D., 556
When Youth is Gone. A Poem, Albion Jjffmi's Bacon, 562

A Case of Special Providence Dr.fti&R E. Ta Image ', 563

Young Characters in History, Frederick ^*

the Great Cy^f- Willard Done, 578

Passion Week, -VOrT • -. • 582

Goodbye A Poem, 'jJv' ' '• ty&h E. Pearson, 582

Progress of the War, WC*^' ' ' *«l»^ ^^

Symposium of Best I hought, . . . ..^S. . .^T 608

Editor's Table — Yale Glad^Lo^e; Th&ef^A's
Corresp ndent in the U^f^East^^rogress
of the War ArtidA Notesj^fcn Lighter
Mood ... .V • 611-617

Our Work — SugaMJions of a President; Y. M.
M. I. A^^fwnual Conference; A Correc-
tion; BjMjfLiragemeut for "Busy" Men, 618-621

Even'I^^C the Month Thomas Hull, 622 623

Book Itoview — Popular Customs; Rays of Liv-
ing Light, • 623-624

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IMPROVEMENT ERA.

Vol. I. JUNE, 1897. No. 8.

HOW DO WE THINK?

BY W. H. LAMASTER.

Could we think without a language? That question has
not as yet been definitely settled. What is thought? Some
say that it is language minus sound. But who knows that it
is? Does the dog think? Prof. Max Muller and others say
that the dog does not, and why? Because they say that the
dog has no language. What is language? We are told that
it is thought plus sound. Granting that it is, is there not
sound in the bark of a dog? The answer is, yes; but is it of
such a character which conveys any kind of intelligence?
The dog might answer that question much better than we
could ourselves.

Language is again defined as articulated words; and if so,
who knows but that the neighing of the horse, the lowing of the
ox, and the barking of the dog are not articulated words to
the ears of the horse, the ox, and the dog families? Who can
say but that each type of the brute creation does not recognize
with its own kind a distinction of vocal sounds? And if each
type of such creation does, may there not be in the neighing of
a horse, the lowing of an ox, and the barking of a dog, not
only a sound, but articulated words? If there are, certainly
then the brute creation thinks as well as man.

41

54C IMPROVEMENT ERA.

It will not be denied that there is always to be seen a
very close connection between the science of language and the
science of thought, and that being true, we must therefore
think more or less in words. As little as we can "reckon
without actual or disguised numerals," says Prof. Max Muller,
"can we reason without actual or disguised words." Hence
he argues that we, even as human beings, can think only in
words. But might we not ask, does the new-born babe think?
Certainly it cannot if it can only think in words. But does
not the new-born babe realize both pleasure and pain? Cer-
tainly it does; and therefore it must think, and do so also,
without either actual or disguised words.

The Duke of Argyll, in his scholarly work on "The
Reign of Law," says of the mind that it "stands in pre-estab-
lished relations to things around it — bound to them by the in-
finite adjustments which may be called external correlations
of growth;" and he argues "that out of these relations it is
not itself nor does its powers possess the materials whereon
to work." Admitting his premises, and also admitting that
out of such relations with external things, the mind would
possess no powers whatever to work, still, standing though as
it does in its pre-established relations to these same external
things, it might nevertheless have all the powers of thought
and exercise them minus a language.

We certainly must study the mind and weigh and measure
its powers and its capacities, if at all, as we would anything else
— only in the concrete. Even the subject of mind itself can-
not be considered by us as an abstract proposition; we must
think, if at all, by relations, and so, therefore, the outside
world is but an auxiliary power, as it were, to the one of our
minds, in the exercise of thought.

There is a difference in the modes of thinking, as there is
in anything else. Some of our thoughts are also more com-
plex than are others. The child's thoughts we call simple,
and why? Because its mind has not as yet reached that
higher plane of development of those of more mature years.
Because one may not have the power of discernment or of
formulating ideas which we would call intelligent, is cer-
tainly no good reason why he or she does not think. The

HOW DO WE THINK? 547

idiot may be unable to think intelligently; and yet we cannot
say of him that he does not think.

That we might be the more able to answer the question,
"How do we think?" we should understand the more clearly
than we now seem to do the physics and the chemistry of
mind. The truth is, we as yet know but little whatever con-
cerning the laws which govern and control our minds; what
progress has even science made in analyzing the human mind?
Science may call the mind a force, an intelligent motor, or
even the thinking part of man; and still what more do we know
of its real powers and capacities than we did before? We
certainly must agree with Maudsley when he says, that its real
functions are as yet beyond our deepest research.

Now we should not forget that even human speech itself
is an art, and like every other art it must be first acquired be-
fore it can be used. The only natural language that man has,
if any at all, is a cry — an inarticulate sound of the vocal
organs. It is therefore by reason of our learning how to
articulate certain vocal sounds and to carve and to mould
them into words that we, as human beings, ever come to
possess anything like a language. Ideas, we should remem-
ber, may be conveyed by signs and by gestures; and who can
say but all language might have been pantomimic instead of
vocal? But if it was of that character, would it not have
been of about equal force in aiding us to think as any articu-
lated form of speech?

The only purpose of human speech is to record and to
communicate thoughts; without either words, signs or gest-
ures of some kind, our thoughts could be of little or no value
to us. It is only because of our power to convey and to com-
municate our thoughts through intelligent channels of some
kind which go to constitute us rational beings It is man's
thoughts, their character and force, and his power of com-
municating them in an intelligent manner which crowns him
the lord of creation.

We have not as yet, though, answered the question,
"How do we think?" We may say of our minds that they
think; but why or how do they think? It is no answer to say
that, because all our ideas come from sensation and reflection,

548 IMPROVEMENT ERA.

therefore, we think, for the reason that whatever may be the
nature or the source of our thoughts they are still under some
law; and that law we do not as yet thoroughly understand.
If we understood the laws of mind we could then be the more
able to say why and how we think. Leibnitz believed and
argued that every particle of matter, even to the atom, is not
only endowed with the power of thought, but also has a will
of its own, and hence a perception of its own individual exis-
tence and its particular place in Nature. He even maintained,
with much force and ability, that the minutest particle of
matter, whether organized or not, contains a world of
lives, actualities, souls; with him there was no such thing as
dead matter. He even regarded what is called death as only
another form of life, one also of mind, thought, will. Des-
cartes and his school of philosophy, on the other hand,
held what we call life (the life that is seen in its organized
forms as in man) to be but a higher force, and in only
organized forms can it exist, so, therefore, with Descartes
only organized beings of any kind have minds, souls, or wills.

If it be true, then, that mind is one of the endowments of
matter, even in its organized forms; and one of its functions is
that of thinking, it cannot be denied that it will think inde-
pendently of words actually spoken or disguised. Is it to be
supposed that, before the invention of words, men did not
think? Words themselves presuppose some kind of thought;
in fact, words are the natural and legitimate offspring of
thought. Would one born without either the sense of hear-
ing or of sight not think? In the case.of Laura Bridgman, the
blind deaf-mute, are we to believe that before she was taught
to both read and write, and before she even knew the use or
the meaning of words, she did not think? Why or how we
think is therefore not a thing to be acquired or learned, unless
it be the more intelligently, but is one of the powers of the
mind, and is as natural as is the mind itself.

We are told, though, that we think only in concepts and
therefore can only think in words. If one born both blind
and deaf thinks, and does so without words, does not such a
one think in concepts? Is there not in such a one's mind a
concept — a mental image, as it were, photographed on his or

HOW DO WE THINK? 549

her brain, when thinking, at least of himself or of herself?
Would there not be a concept of some kind in such a one's
mind when hungry, thirsty or cold, and one, too, independent
of words? In every such mental energy, when exerted, it cer-
tainly would not be merely a reflex action of the brain, but
one common to the natural functions and powers of the mind;
therefore the mind itself, it must be conceded, makes its own
conditions for thinking; and when the brain, which is its
natural organ, is in a healthy and normal condition, it will
think independently of either words, signs or gestures.

THE FLIGHT OF THE ARROW.

The life of man

Is an arrow's flight,
Out of darkness

Into light,
And out of light

Into darkness again:
Perhaps to pleasure,

Perhaps to pain!

There must be Something,

Above, or below;
Somewhere unseen,

A mighty Bow,
A hand that tires not,

A sleepless Eye
That sees the arrows

Fly, and fly;
One who knows

Why we live — and die.

Anon.

RELIGIOUS FAITHS/

VIII.

THE FAITH OF THE LUTHERAN CHURCH.

BY PROF. F. A. SCHMIDT, D. D.

Religious truth to us Lutherans is not a matter of barren
abstract speculation, but rather one of vital practical interest.
Our foremost motive in setting a high price on the purity of
gospel faith is our conviction that such purity of faith is of
vital importance in regard to all questions that more or less
closely refer to the salvation of sinners. How can I please
God and be accepted of him at death? This question, above
all others, merits investigation. So central and overmaster-
ing is this doctrine concerning God's plan of saving sinners,
in the gospel of Jesus, that all other doctrines manifestly
occupy a place subservient to it. Our Lutheran theology
follows closely the same train of thought. All parts of our
faith and confession, even the more intricate questions of our

*As stated in an editoral note accompanying the first article under this
general title, we ' 'extended an invitation to prominent ministers of the churches
represented in Utah to contribute statements of their doctrine and claims to
the Era, in order that each of the prominent churches, at least, might pre-
sent its doctrine from its own standpoint and by its own representative."
Five prominent ministers responded, but the representatives of three very
important divisions of Christendom have failed to avail themselves of the
opportunity afforded by the Era to present statements of their faith to our
readers. These were the representatives of the Lutheran, the Congregational
and Baptist Churches. It is important, however, that these churches be
represented in this symposium, and that, too, by sympathetic writers; and
we have, therefore, selected statements of the faith and doctrine of these
churches from papers presented by representative ministers of those re-
pective faiths at the World's Parliament of Religions, held at Chicago, 1893,
in connection with the World's Columbian Exposition.

RELIGIOUS FAITHS. 551

systematic theology, have positive reference to the chief
gospel doctrine of salvation alone by faith in Christ Jesus as
the Savior of sinners.

Our Lutheran Church has ever maintained the principle
that the article of justification by faith in Christ is the central
doctrine of gospel truth. If God's granting unto us the eternal
gospel is the result of a practical motive, to wit, the salvation of
lost sinners, and if the Church of God, in proclaiming and de-
fending that gospel, is actuated by the same practical motive,
the desire of saving sinners, then most assuredly the article of
our justification must be recognized as the pivotal article of the
gospel. The fate of a sinner is determined in the sight of
God by his either being accounted righteous before God or
his not being so accounted. Righteousness in the judgment
of God is the immediate condition of a man's being accepted
as an object of pleasure and an heir to life eternal. That sen-
tence of God by which his previous accounting a sinner as a
sinner is changed to an opposite accounting of a sinner as
not a sinner, but as righteous, that justifying sentence of God
is the decisive point that turns the scale in the eternal fate of
sinners. Whatever blessings and experiences of grace may
lead up to that decisive point of our justification before God,
they have their great importance in the fact of their being
means to this end. And whatever blessings and experiences
may follow afterwards, they are the fruits of our justification.

There are two ways of explaining the idea of God's justi-
fying a sinner, both of which admit that the basis of God's
justification is righteousness, or the fulfillment of the law.
God will not justify or absolve any sinner without the inter-
vention of a sufficiently perfect righteousness. The question
is: Wherein does this necessary righteousness consist? Both
the law and the gospel testify that God will not be satisfied
with our being merely as holy as we are able to be by our
own powers. Neither does Jesus heal our nature so that we
ourselves, being born again by his grace and renewed into his
holy image, can work out our own righteousness and merit an
approving and justifying sentence from God. But are we to
come as sinful beings, admitting our lost and condemned con-
dition, bringing nothing of our own holiness or worthiness on

552 IMPROVEMENT ERA.

which to rely, merely accepting the free gift of an absolutely
complete and perfect wedding garment which Christ has pro-
cured for us by suffering punishment in our stead and fulfilling
the law in our stead?

Righteousness for sinners is brought about in a vicarious
way. The only begotten Son, the God- man, in suffering for sin
outweighs the punishment merited by the whole world of sin-
ners, and in obeying the law here on earth as a member of
our human family, he is in possession of an obedient fulfill-
ment of the law which outweighs the required obedience of
a whole world of human beings. The glory and dignity of
his divine person grants this infinite value to his sufferings
and obedience.

SIGNIFICANCE OF CONFIRMATION AND BAPTISM
IN THE LUTHERAN CHURCH.

BY REV. J. N. KILDAHL.

Confirmation has been practiced in the the Christian
Church since its earliest days. Many of the Reformed
Churches have abolished it, while the Roman Church has
made a sacrament of it. The Lutheran Church retains con-
firmation, not as a sacrament, not as an institution necessary
for salvation under the form in which we have it, but as a
very profitable institution, which should be practiced by the
church in some form or other. It is the duty of the church
to instruct the young in the Christian religion. It is also
the duty of those who have been instructed in the Word of
God, and believe in Jesus Christ, to confess their faith be-
fore men. And the church has no right to receive as com-
municant members persons who are not willing to promise to
lead a Christian life.

In evangelizing all nations the disciples of Christ were
to observe two, things; they were to baptize them in the name
of the triune God, and they were to teach them all things
whatsoever Christ had commanded them. These two things

RELIGIOUS FAITHS. 553

the Lutheran Church has endeavored and does endeavor to
do. We know that children, no less than persons of riper
years, are included in the term "all nations;" therefore we
baptize them according to Christ's command. But baptism
is only one half of the command; therefore we also teach
them to observe all things whatsoever he has commanded us.
Therefore we teach them biblical history, that they may
know what wonderful things God has done for his children
through all generations, that they may learn from the pages
of history, what the wages of sin is, and how great the mercy,
loving kindness and grace of God is to those who fear him.
We also teach them the principal doctrines set forth in the
Bible. We teach them the law of God, that they may know
what God wants them to do and avoid, and that they may
learn to understand that they are sinners in need of a Saviour.
We teach them the gospel, that they may know what to
believe. We teach them how to pray, that they may call
upon the name of the Lord, and through Christ have access
to the throne of grace. We teach them that God, through
the washing of regeneration, has made them his children and
heirs of everlasting life, that they may know what covenant
God has made with them, what promises he has given them,
and what he has in store for them, if they remain faithful
unto the end. And we teach them about the sacrament of
the altar, that they may eat the body of Christ and drink his
blood, so as to be strengthened in their faith.

WHAT CONGREGATIONALISM IS.

REV. SIMEON GILBERT, D. D.

Congregationalism stands for a faith and a principle of
church government. The faith is the evangelical belief; the
church polity is that of a pure democracy, under the one Lord
and Master. Historically, Congregationalism was the pure
outcome of the Reformation, and was a return, straight and
immediate, to the sole authority of the Word of God. In all
42

554 IMPROVEMENT ERA.

matters of religious life and church control, its loyalty to
Christ alone makes it disown "the authority of pope, prelate,
presbyter, prince or parliament." It calls no man master; for
one is our Master, even Christ, and all we are brethren. The
acceptance of the supreme authority of God as revealed in his
Word and in our Savior, Jesus Christ, is the fundamental
thought. All doctrine, all motives, all rules of the Christian
life are subject to this test.

Congregationalism begins with the idea of a regenerate
church membership. It would have no meaning without this
as its basis, no justification or power. Moreover, the local
church is constituted by a definite covenant, entered into by
believers with God and with one another.

Congregationalism, consistently and alike in both its faith
and its polity, emphasizes the continual and indwelling pres-
ence of Christ in his church according to his promise, "Lo, I
am with you always." For the same reason, it keeps at the
front its dependence upon the inward teaching and power of
the Holy Spirit.

But, along with this independence of the local church, Con-
gregationalism holds to the idea of the fellowship of the
churches. As to the fittest methods of church fellowship, on
the basis of the freedom and spiritual equality of the several
churches, there has been a good deal of experimentation. In
this respect Congregationalism of to-day is the result of a long
process of evolution and of re-adjustment to new conditions.
If it took courage to dare to be free, it has required an equal
degree of courage, while insisting upon freedom, to dare to
enter upon terms of fellowship, mutual trust, council and
co-operation.

The present system of "councils," and of "associations,"
local, state and national, and at length international, came
about only by degrees. The existing combination of the im-
mediateness of each one's accountability to God, of the inde-
pendency of each local church of all outside human authority,
and with this an organized system of church-fellowship, has
been an achievement, the victory of a long-growing "sancti-
fied common sense." So that that which not long ago seemed
to the fathers impossible has now come to appear axiomatic

RELIGIOUS F All IIS. 555

and altogether natural. This at least is true in America,
where Congregationalism is in certain respects greatly in ad-
vance of that in Great Britain.

The genesis of Congregationalism was in England; its
first exodus to the New World was from Holland; and it was
the Mayflower which bore to Plymouth Rock this choicest and
fruitfulest seed-corn of all American immigration, religious,
civil and educational.

From the necessity of the case, Congregationalism has,
from the first, always and everywhere, put paramount empha-
sis upon education. The system which makes so much of the
individual, of every individual member, is itself educative, and
is constantly making demands for more and still more of
personal culture. What may be termed the American educa-
tional idea, from the founding of Harvard College and the
origination of the common school of New England, owes
more, far more, to Congregationalism than to any other
single source.

But no one can have any tolerably adequate conception of
what modern Congregationalism is, unless he takes into large
account two other great factors in its life. These are, on the
one hand, its comprehensive and really majestic system of
joint responsibility and joint enterprise in support of its varied
missionary societies, home and foreign: and, on the other, its
religious journalism — the "council" that waits on no "letters-
missive" for its organization; the open parliament which never
adjourns, and before which no questions of vital moment are
ever out of order. These two great factors and forms of act-
ualized fellowship do more than any other human agency to
bind into a sweet and living and divinely forceful unity not
only the scattered Congregational churches of a continent, but
throughout all the world, and which makes it possible and
proper to speak of an ecumenical Congregational Church.

The Congregational denomination is not the most num-
erous religious body in America, having only a little more
than half a million communicants; but its power is not to be
fairly estimated without taking into the account its influence
hitherto toward congregationalizing all the other church or-
ganizations.

556 IMPROVEMENT ERA.

One other distinctive characteristic of Congregationalism
must be noted. This is the intensity of its belief in the "Holy
Catholic Church" the world over, and its disposition to recog-
nize the existing unity in Christ of true believers of whatever
name.

If Congregationalism is not, as some claim for it, "the
solvent of the sects," its distinguishing and constituent princi-
ples are the ones which, it is believed, will prevail when at
the last, the prayer of our Lord shall have come to pass "that
they all may be one."

THE PRESENTATION OF THE BAPTIST
CHURCHES.

BY REV. GEO. C. LORIMER, D. D. , OF BOSTON.

Greatness is not to be determined by bulk or by num-
bers, but rather by aim and achievement. It is not,
therefore, likely that the merit and meaning, or the place and
power of a religious body in the world, can be adequately
determined by its size and girth. The Baptists cannot ad-
vance a claim for recognition, grounded in the immensity
of their fraternity. Their hosts are neither huge nor over-
whelming.

At the most, their regular enrolled army, the wide world
over, is only something more than 4,000,000 strong, with a
possible 7,000,000 to 10,000,000 of sympathetic followers.
If, then, they have not justified their existence by things at-
tempted and attained, and if what they represent is not
intrinsically precious to the race, they have no sufficient reason
for being here to-day, nor indeed for being anywhere. They
must, therefore, be judged, if judged at all, by the richness
and fertility of their possessions, and not by the extent of
their borders.

That the Baptists are among the oldest of the non-
liturgical and non-prelatical branches of Christ's Church, and
more than likely are in reality the oldest, is generally con-
ceded and grows more certain with the progress of scholarly

RELIGIOUS FAITHS. 557

investigation. It is, however, to be admitted that their
origin is obscure. The beginnings of some of the post-
Reformation denominations are easily determined and are
marked by national upheavals and crises; but this is not the
case with the Baptists, and seems to indicate that they belong
to the pre-Reformation period and are identical with the
anti-ecclesiastical thought, feeling and aspiration which
steadily flowed through the middle ages as the gulf stream
penetrates and courses through the Atlantic.

The Baptists from the beginning and through all the
centuries have stood for individuality in the religious life; for
the enlargement and the emancipation of the individual, for
the rights and responsibilities of the individual, and for the
autonomy and authority of the individual. To them there
are two great factors in religion, the Creator and the creature;
the former comprehending all that is supernatural, the latter
including all that is natural; the first being absolutely
sovereign and supreme over the second, but the second in its
individuality being supreme over self as far as every other
fellow-creature is concerned.

They believe that Christianity, like the Sabbath, was
made for man, not man for Christianity; made not, of course, for
him to ignore, pervert or destroy, but for him to respect, pre-
serve and honor; and not made to efface his personality,
enslave his reason, circumscribe his intelligence and subvert
his conscience, but for the development of all the faculties
and resources of his being and for the deliverance of his soul
from spiritual slavery of every kind.

The Baptists believe that man's supreme allegiance, so
far as earthly powers are concerned, is not to the church, but
to himself, to his own reason, and conscience, to his own
dignity and destiny. As all societies, whether secular or
spiritual, are but aggregations of beings like himself, how
can the aggregates, taken together, be more important or
more sacred than the units of which they are composed?

The Baptists admit that there is a place for churches in
the Christian economy; but they insist that they are not for
the suppression of the individual, but for his unfolding and
perfection. Organized and visible churches are means to an

558 IMPROVEMENT ERA.

end; they are not themselves the end. They are temporal,
but man is eternal; hence they shall at last decay and dis-
appear, whether gorgeous ecclesiastical monarchies or
modest democracies — but man is immortal. This is the
Baptist idea, and he is persuaded that it is the idea of the
New Testament. God was incarnate, not in humanity at
large, but exclusively in the man, Jesus, to teach that in com-
ing to dwell in his children by the Holy Ghost, he does not
abide in them as a whole without taking up his abode in each
separate child. "Ye are the temples of the Holy Ghost"
was affirmed of every Christian as well as of a numerous
communion. And it is written that "Christ is the head of
every man" as well as being "the head of his body, the
church." So, likewise, "every man must render an account
of himself to God," and to emphasize more fully the place of
individuality in religion, it is written that Jesus "tasted death
for every creature."

It was belief in these scripture representations that led
the Anabaptists to teach in the sixteenth century that every
Christian has in himself a divine guide whom he must follow
at any cost. These sturdy men were more than satisfied to
sacrifice and suffer for man, that the individual, instead of be-
coming unconscious in God, might become fully conscious of
the perfection of God in the individual.

This is very apparent in their loyalty to the Holy Script-
ures as the supreme authority in personal faith and moral
conduct. They are people of one book, one that is "quite
sufficiently called," as Hein has it, "The Book." Nature,
they concede, has manifold disclosures of the infinite, and
they are far from being indifferent to its teachings, whether em-
bodied in science or in the unvarying and harmonious opera-
tion of its laws. They recognize reason also as related to be-
lief and practice; not, however, as in itself, an original revela-
tion, but as the subject and interpreter of all revelations,
whether they proceed from without or are due to the illumi-
nating ministrations of the Comforter within.

But for all the important purposes of religious thought
and life, the Bible is their ultimate guide, as, in addition to
its own messages, it furnishes a criterion by which the mes-

RELIGIOUS FAITHS. . 559

sages from other sources may be judged. The Baptists have
never formally acknowledged the binding obligation of creeds.
Their confessions, from that of 1527 to the one of most recent
date, that called the New Hampshire, including Smyth's,
161 1, and the London confession, 1646, were not promulgated
to secure uniformity of belief nor as standards to which sub-
scription is imperative; but rather as defenses and apologies
forced from them by the abuse and calumnies of enemies, or
as succinct and convenient expositions of their opinions.

These symbols all have their value as religious literature,
but they are not necessarily final statements of truth, nor are
they endued with any coercive power. No documents of this
kind are permitted by the Baptists to rival in authority the
Sacred Writings, nor to fix by arbitrary rule what they are
designed to communicate to each soul. The Bible is divine
thought given to every man, and every man ought to give
human thought to the Bible, and ecclesiastical bodies do
their entire duty when they bring these two thoughts into
immediate communion and commerce with each other.

From this representation it can easily be seen how large
a part individuality plays in our simple ecclesiastical system.
Infants are not baptized, because that ordinance would mis-
lead them as to their standing before God, would tend to
diminish their sense of personal responsibility, and would
finally establish an unconverted church in a corrupt world.
If the Kingdom of Christ is really not radically different from
the Kingdom of Satan, and is only visibly separate and dis-
tinct by a few ceremonies, professions and the solemn invo-
cation of holy names, of what particular use is it to society,
and how can it hope to subdue its rival? To guard against
this deplorable confusion, this deadly fellowship between
light and darkness, the Baptists have adhered to their Bible
that requires a heart difference between him that serveth God
and him that serveth Him not, with the appropriate outward
expression of the change.

Here, then, we have the ground, both in scripture and
reason, for the baptism of believers only, and a baptism that
shows reverence for the divine will in form and purpose as
immersion manifestly does. But conscious individuality is

560 IMPROVEMENT ERA.

necessary to all this, and is emphasized by it. Before a
human being has come to realize self-hood with all that it im-
plies, he cannot act of his own volition in these high matters;
but when he is competent to do so there will be developed
capabilities for further duties. These will find their sphere
of action in the church; for its government being such as I
have described, it opens a field for the exercise of every
personal talent, attainment and grace.

That the significance of the Baptists in history lies mainly
in the direction I have indicated, is demonstrated beyond a
doubt by their persistent advocacy of soul freedom, and by
hearty and practical sympathy with almost every movement
on behalf of civil liberty. The first amendment to the consti-
tution of the United States was inspired by them, and in no
other country can such a provision be found. It reads as
follows: "Congress shall make no law respecting an estab-
lishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof."

The Baptists of former times evidently perceived the
disastrous effect of enforced formalism. They were not
opposed to communities of Christians, but they realized that
their efficiency depended on the voluntary nature of the
followship. In proportion as they became mere aggregations
of human particles, having little in common, and held to-
gether by external pressure, they necessarily impaired their
own power and wrecked the society to whose well-being their
compulsory membership was deemed indispensable.

Independence is inseparable from the highest type of in-
dividuality, and the individuality of the highest type is
necessary to vital and vigorous organization. Here, then,
we have explanation of the long struggle for religious liberty.
Apart from the Divine Word, to whose teachings the entire
movement is primarily due, it must be ascribed to that
recognition of each man's personal dignity and worth as a
creature made in the image of God which has been so dis-
tinguishing a note of Baptist history.

The practical profitableness of the root principle out of
which the historical significance of the Baptists has grown,
very frequently has been challenged, and is even now ad-
mitted in some circles only with evident reluctance. Un-

RELIGIOUS FAITHS. 561

questionably it has been abused, and like other precious
things, may be made a source of incalculable mischief.

We may, I believe, without hesitation, appeal to our
own denomination for proofs of its expediency and excellency.
These are furnished in the contributions made by its leaders
and churches towards the evolution of mode i society, with
its liberty and progress, its inventions and dircoveries, its re-
forms and charities. Much has already been suggested on
this point, and yet something more remains to be added.

The Baptists have been conspicuous for their devotion
to education, and today they have more money invested in
property and endowments for educational interests than any
other religious body in the land. They have consecrated in
America to the cause of human enlightenment, over $32,000-
000, and have in the main given it unhampered by sectarian
conditions. Manifestly, in this instance, individualism in re-
ligion has wrought no ill to the community, but only good.

The Baptists have been equally prominent in founding
foreign missions to the heathens, and are everywhere ac-
knowledged as the heroic leaders in an enterprise which
means the salvation and unification of races in Christ. *

* * But in addition, in the domain of letters they have
given to the world a Foster and a William R. Williams; to
the domain of heroism a long line, including Arnold of
Brescia, a Havelock, and a Carey; to that of theology a Gill,
a Haldane, and many others; and to that of philanthropy
a John Harvard, who was a member of Samuel Stennett's
congregation in London, and an Abraham Lincoln, who,
though not himself a Baptist, was born of Baptist parents,
and attributed all that he was to his Baptist mother.

Nor should we forget the influence they have exerted on
the devotional life of the people at large. They have taught
us to sing "Blessed Be the Tie that Binds," "Did Christ o'er
Sinners weep?" "Majestic Sweetness Sits Enthroned upon
the Savior's Brow," "How Firm a Foundation, Ye Saints
of the Lord," "Mid Scenes of Confusion and Creature
Complaints," "They are Gathering Homeward from Every
Land," "All Hail the Power of Jesus' Name," "Savior, Thy
Dying Love," "I Need Thee every Hour," "Lo, the Day of
4"

682 IMPROVEMENT ERA.

God is Breaking," "My Country 'Tis of Thee," and they
have given us many other hymns by which faith has been
strengthened, sorrow comforted, duty glorified, patriotism
stimulated, and our Lord Jesus Christ rendered more precious
and endeared to the souls of men.

They who have thus sung; they who have thus thought;
yea, they who have thus wrought — for holy ideas are kindred,
to holy deeds — are in themselves the best witnesses to the
wholesome influence of a doctrine that seeks to make out of
every human creature a man, out of every man a saint, and
out of every saint a special and individual confessor oi
Christ.

WHEN YOUTH IS GONE.

How can we know when youth is gone —

When age has surely come at last ?
There is no marked meridian

Through which we sail, and feel when past

A keener air our faces strike,

A chillier current swifter run;
They meet and glide like tide with tide,

Our youth and age, when youth is done.

— Albion Fellows Bacon.

A CASE OF SPECIAL PROVIDENCE,

CONNECTED WITH THE ERUPTION OF MOUNT

TARAWERA, NEW ZEALAND, 1886.

BY DR. JAMES E. TALMAGE.

Editors Improvement Era: —

With the consent of the writer, I send you herewith copy
of a letter addressed to a member of Leland Stanford, Jr.
University, by Bishop F. H. Wright of Coalville, Utah.
Some time ago the Department of Education in the university
named sent out circular letters asking for information regard-
ing certain points of enquiry, with the purpose as declared of
investigating "that phase of religious experience known in a
general way as Special Providence." While the questions
propounded by the investigators at Stanford University were
fresh in my mind, I learned in the course of a conversation
with Bishop Wright the principal incidents of that gentle-
man's experience in New Zealand as related in the enclosed
communication; and I took the liberty of requesting him to
send a statement of the circumstances to Stanford University.
The providential protection of our missionary brother and
his associates in a time of such peril, and the full acknowl-
edgment of the over-ruling power of God in the event, may
be of interest to the elders now in the field of mission ser-
vice, and to many others of your readers.

The occasion to which reference is made in the Bishop's
letter, received extended notice in the press of the time, and
the occurrence is now treated as a historic event of importance
in the geological writings of the present. The beauties of the

5G4 IMPROVEMENT ERA.

New Zealand lake district within which Mount Tarawera is
situated, have been described by many admiring and enthusi-
astic visitors. Previous to 1886, the mountain had been long
quiet, and was generally regarded as an extinct volcano.
True there were geysers in the neighborhood, as also hot
springs, some of which were large enough to be called lakes;
and such occurrences known to the geologist as secondary
volcanic phenomena, told of residual internal heat in the
vicinity of the mountain. Between 1884 and 1886 there had
been occasional manifestations of disturbed igneous energy;
some of the hot springs showed a rise in temperature, and
the water of Lake Rata Kakahi, usually cold, became hot.

On June 10, 1886, after a few premonitory earth shocks,
a powerful explosive eruption from Tarawera took place. A
description published by Mr. Everett Hayden in Science, July
23, 1886, says: "A bright red glow became visible about the
top of the mountain, and vivid flashes of light seemed to
shoot up into the air. In an hour the flashes of light became
what seemed a massive pillar of fire, rising, increasing and
extending along the range. A dull rumbling accompanied it
and become a terrific war, with continuous explosions, loud
thunder and vivid lightning, till heaven and earth seemed to
be torn asunder. The air was filled with sulphurous odors,
'falling stones, mud and lava. The village [Wairoa] was an-
nihilated, more than a hundred natives perished, and the fer-
tile plains were buried in mud and ashes."

Later and more complete observation has demonstrated
the probability of Mr. Hayden's error in including lava
among the ejecta; but in other respects his description has
been confirmed. The finely divided rock, commonly called
volcanic ash, was thrown to a great height, and drifting with
the wind fell as a layer several inches deep over a width of
many miles, reaching the sea shore. According to a meas-
urement made by an officer of the survey department of New
Zealand, the result quoted by Professor Dana, the ashes were
thrown to a height of 44,700 feet. So violent was the erup-
tion that no cinder cones were found about any of the vents.
A great chasm was opened near the summit of the range,
fully 200 yards wide. The magnificent geyserite deposits,

A CASE OF SPECIAL PROVIDENCE. 565

known as the "Pink Terraces," and the "White Terraces"
were entirely destroyed. These formations had been de-
servedly famed; indeed, while they existed, the well-known
traverture terraces at Mammoth Hot Springs in our own,
Yellowstone Park held but second place among the hot water
deposits of the world. Lake Rotamahana, situated between
the Pink and the White Terraces named above, lost its water
just before or during the eruption, and this circumstance, with
others of the sort offers a key to an explanation of the prob-
able cause of the outbreak. It has been suggested that the
sudden formation of a subterranean fissure admitted water to
an interior reservoir of lava. The destructive disturbance
began and ended within six hours, but what a change was
brought about during those hours of terror!

Certain after effects have been recently noted. Mr. H.
M. Cadell, through the transactions of the Edinburgh Geo-
logical Society, 1897, describes some of these. The fine ashes
which coated the region have become compacted through the
action of rain, and now appear as a clay-like layer impervious
to water. The surface is described as being water-tight
"like the slated roof of a house," and the rain fall flows off in
powerful torrents, excavating in their course, deep ravines
and gorges in the sometime beautiful valley. Lake Rotom-
ahana has been replaced by two lakes, which with a com-
bined area of twenty-five acres after the eruption in 1886 had
risen so as to cover 5,600 acres in 1893.

The outburst at Tarawera will be remembered as one of
the violent projectile eruptions of modern time.

Respectfully yours,

J. E. Talmage.

BISHOP WRIGHT'S LETTER.

Coalville, Utah, March 17, 1898.
Mr. Newall Harris Bullock,

Stanford University, California,
Dear Sir: — Through the kind suggestion of Dr. J. E.
Talmage of the University of Utah, I take pleasure in relat-
ing to you what I term a miraculous occurrence within my

566 IMPROVEMENT ERA.

personal experience, and which I acknowledge as an evidence
of providential care. In the spring of 1885 I was chosen and
set apart like a great many other young elders of the Church,
of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, to which I belong, to
sacrifice for a time, home, friends, and family to devote my
energies to the work of God, the purpose of which is to bene-
fit the whole human family. The spirit of our church teaches
that its members having freely received the word of God,
ought freely to impart the same to others. It fell to my lot to
labor among the natives of New Zealand, the Maoris, and
with them I spent a little over three years of my life. I was
assigned to the district of Tauranga or Rotorua, in the Bay
of Plenty. No doubt you are acquainted with the accounts
of the great eruption of Mount Tarawera, which borders on
the shores of Rotomahana (the hot lake). This occurred on
June 10, 1886. As I was there at the time I am familiar with
all the circumstances.

After having spent about ten months in that locality, and
having become acquainted with the natives and their peculiar
'anguage, my missionary companion and I were desirous of
visiting the Pink and White Terraces, which nature has
formed near the Rotomahana. Many tourists from all parts
of the world used to visit the place on account of the beauti-
ful scenery, and to enjoy the healing virtues of the water,
which is good for rheumatism, etc. At a village called
Wairoa, located on the shores of a beautiful lake, I have
often received the kind hospitality of the natives, extended in]
their rude but hearty way. A government school is estab-
lished there for the education of the native children, and.
there are two large tourist hotels kept by Europeans. Wairoa
is the terminus of the stage line, and from this point thet
tourists are conveyed in canoes across the lake, a distance ofj
nine or ten miles, to the Terraces. The boat journey is made
in care of the native guides, and the* cost to each person is!
about 25 shillings. We had received a promise from thej
natives that they would take us across the lake when we de-j
sired to go. About 150 natives lived on the other side of thel
lake and these we wanted to visit for the purpose of preach-i
ing to them. About the 5th day of June, 1886, we again)

A CASE OF SPECIAL PROVIDENCE. 567

trisited the natives of Wairoa fully intending to cross the
lake, spend a few weeks with the natives in the hope of mak-
ing some converts among them, and take in the beautiful
Terraces which we had longed to see. But to our great sur-
prise, when we arrived at Wairoa, we found a feeling mani-
fested among the people toward us different from any we had
ever experienced before. At this particular time there hap-
pened to be a Tangi or feast going on, the occasion being
the death of one of their number, and many visitors were
present. Among that people one notices that the more of
them there are together, the more hospitable they are, and
the better are the opportunities for preaching; this I knew
from having witnessed a number of Tangis previous to this
one. We were therefore very much surprised at the strange
reception which they gave us on this occasion. It was only
through the influence of a few members of our own church, who
were among the visitors at the feast, that we were granted
the privilege of staying over night. We had no opportunity
to preach, nor were we allowed to conduct their morning and
evening prayer services, as we had done on other occasions.
I am thoroughly convinced that it was a special interference
of providence that aroused that feeling among those natives
which caused us to be directed away out of danger. On the
following morning we concluded that we could not succeed
in completing our anticipated trip, so we journeyed back,
stopping over night at two places, and finally reaching
Tepuke, our headquarters, 25 miles away from the place of
the feast. We arrived there on the evening of the 9th of
June, and during the night the great catastrophe occurred,
about 109 natives and 14 Europeans losing their lives. Sand
and mud from the eruption covered the country 6 to 7 inches
deep where we were. Complete darkness reigned until n a.
m. the next day and a dismal twilight the balance of the day.
Twenty-seven heavy shocks of earthquake were felt during
twelve or fourteen hours from the time it commenced.
Shocks were felt almost daily for a number of weeks follow-
ing. One result of this was that the cattle, sheep, and
horses had to be driven out of that part of the country so
that they could obtain food. A few days after the eruption

508 1MPR O VEMENT ERA .

we again journeyed back to the lake country on our way to the
interior of the island. We visited Wairoa, finding the Maori
village, hotels, and school house badly demolished. The
Echool teacher was one of the number killed. The erupted
material at Wairoa was ten feet deep. Large trees had been
knocked or blown down and the roads through the bush or
timbers were obstructed and travel was very difficult. An
estimate of the dirt and rock thrown from Mount Tarawera
Was made as one square half mile covered to the depth stated.

I left home to perform my mission with a blessing pro-
nounced upon me by a servant of God that if I would go and
perform an honorable mission to the best of my ability, I
should be aided by the spirit and power of God and that I
would return home in safety. I am here a living witness;
and do testify to you and to the world that these facts did
occur, and that I was guided by the kind hand of providence
to escape that dreadful calamity.

The influences that determined my attitude towards
Special Providences: — In my boyhood days I always enjoyed
the pleasures of life in an innocent way, yet at the same time
I had a natural inclination toward a reverence for an Al-
mighty Being. I was free to choose my own course to wor-
ship, and through reflection and comparison, and by obeying
the simple commands of God, and by living in accordance
with the same, my faith in God increased. I appreciate and
acknowledge the circumstance I have related in connection
with others as Special Providences.

My age is 46 years. I am a native of England, and a
member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Very Respectfully,

F. H. Wright.

YOUNG CHARACTERS IN HISTORY.

BY PROFESSOR WILLARD DONE, PRESIDENT OF THE LATTER-DAY
SAINTS' COLLEGE, SALT LAKE CITY.

VII.

FREDERICK THE GREAT.

If in general, youth is an index to the book of manhood,
a striking exception must be made in the case of the subject
of this sketch. In its most essential features, his life in its
maturity seemed a contradiction, rather than a fulfillment, of
the promises of youth. Weaknesses of early youth were
superseded by sturdy, unexpected strength; amiable quali-
ties, by gruff, surly eccentricities; financial freedom by close,
calculating economy; love of finery and foppery, by a deep
hatred of shams. How much of this metamorphosis was due
to the nature of the individual, and how much to his educa-
tion, can best be judged after the history of his youth has
been studied.

Karl Frederick was the son of King Frederick William,
of Prussia, and was born in 1712. At the time of his birth
Prussia was emerging from a condition of obscurity into a
state of active interest in the political affairs of Europe. This
was due to the governmental skill and untiring zeal of King
Frederick William, whose rigid discipline and other eccen-
tricities have rendered him famous under the title "The Great
drill Sergeant." This tendency toward thorough drill was
not confined to the army he commanded, but extended to his
entire realm, being especially concentrated in his own family.
The one who felt its severity most, was Frederick, the heir

570 IMPROVEMENT ERA.

apparent. The king seems to have intended the boy to be a
copy of himself, in order that the son might be depended
upon to fill the kingly position as the father had done.

In order to do this, it was necessary that a great change
be wrought in the nature of the boy. During his childhood
he was noted as a vivacious, affectionate, lovable boy, yield-
ing willingly to the teachings and persuasions of those he
loved and taking kindly to studious lines. The refined
French element was introduced into his study by one of his
tutors, the rougher, more rugged German element by another.
To the first he seems to have taken much the more kindly.
So marked was this preference that the king early became
alarmed at the habits the boy was forming. With some of
his young companions, boys of equally fine temper as him-
self, the prince yielded to the allurements of gentle learning,
and allowed these tastes full sway. Flute playing was one
of his favorite pastimes, indulged, indeed, during the absence
of his father, lest the offending instrument should be confis-
cated. Strange as the fact may seem to those who have
struggled through the meshec of Latin grammar, the study of
that language was one of his forbidden pleasures, rendered
sweet by secrecy. Added to these was an excessive foppery
in dress, copied from the French (then the teachers of
Europe) and displayed to the almost frantic disgust of his
father.

It would be amusing, were we not considering the de-
velopment of a human soul, to read of the half-ferocious,
half-comical attempts made by the king to check these youth-
ful tendencies, and turn the young mind into sterner chan-
nels. The great king storming around the palace at the
sight of an innocent volume of French poetry, giving way to
paroxysms of anger over a lace-trimmed coat of velvet, or
raising a whirlwind of rage at a copy of Vergil, was calculated
to overturn the dignity of any court. Add to this the frantic
efforts of Frederick's mother and his sister Wilhelmina to
shield their youthful idol from parental wrath, and a "tragi-
cal-comical-historical scene" is presented which would satisfy
the critical soul of a Polonius. Yet this play was acted out
several times a year at Potsdam, the players being the sole

YOUNG CHARACTERS IN HISTORY. 571

spectators. Worst of all, the boy took to writing poetry.
I am not sure but the phrase "worst of all" may be applied
to the poetry itself. Some of his prose reached the height of
mediocrity; — his poetry was always far below that point.

It is no wonder that, possessed of traits so objectionable
in the heir apparent, Frederick should have fallen into dis-
favor with his father, nor that it required all the tact and in-
fluence of his mother to protect him from early disgrace and
even violence. True, in some particulars the boy fulfilled his
father's hopes. Notwithstanding the empty, barren drill, in
both secular and religious matters, provided by the schools
of that day, Frederick, through his wonderful assimilative
power, was able to gain great good from his youthful training.
Especially was this the case in his study of history. In ad-
dition to the romantic element of his nature already out-
lined, he developed a liking for stern, stubborn facts He
delved into history, making a special study of his own and sur-
rounding countries, which proved of incalculable value to him
in the days of his absolute power. Not an important point
was lost with reference to the political relationships of Euro-
pean countries. Like the skillful ruler he afterward proved
himself, he laid his plans for future action, basing them on
the principle of the aggrandizement of Prussia, at the ex-
pense of all Europe, if need be. Like his father, he was a
perfect Gradgrind for facts, especially useful ones. But his
romantic temperament prevented him from despising such
fiction as suited his fancy, and especially such as helped him
to assimilate the truths he expected to use subsequently.

The king had no use for untried theories, and tried and
proved theories are always facts. To these he turned im-
mediately, choosing and rejecting with admirable skill. In
this direction his son was trained. Strict economy and prac-
tical authority in governmental affairs marked the reign of
this eccentric king. He would brook no extravagance, no
fancies, no useless, doubtful experiments. In him the affairs
of state were reduced to a mathematical precision which al-
lowed of no element of doubt. Thus the son was trained. It
is to be expected that the youthful mind would rebel against
such strong, solid food; and herein commenced the early

572 IMPROVEMENT ERA.

troubles of the prince. He formed in youth a strong attach-
ment for the writings of the Frenchman Voltaire. The fanci-
ful theories and brilliant imagination of that writer were
wonderfully fascinating for the boy, and threatened the de-
struction of the facts already assimilated. This strong ten-
dency on the party of Frederick still farther aroused the
ire of his father, and rendered more necessary the protection
of his mother.

Partly to remove him from these dangerous influences,
and partly for politic reasons, the king took Frederick with
him on a visit to the king of Poland, Augustus the Strong.
This man was as strong in passion as in body. Giving way
to all forms of licentiousness himself, he thought it a light
matter to introduce the sternly moral king and the impulsive
prince of sixteen years, into the amorous intrigues of his
court. From these temptations the king of Prussia turned
away in indignant disgust. Not so with the prince. Dazzled
by intoxicating beauty and unaccustomed luxury, the boy
"ran riot in forbidden fields." This unfortunate fact was as
effectual as anything else could have been, in increasing the
estrangement between father and son. In view of these ex-
cesses, it is not to be wondered at that some of his exper-
ienced acquaintances should have foretold that the boy would
always remain a slave to his passions — a prediction that flew
as wide of the mark as any prediction could. But the un-
fortunate estrangement was real, and the weed distrust was
rapidly choking out the flowers of love in the king's heart.

It was on a subsequent journey with his father that an
event occurred which almost made the chasm between them
impassable, and all but cost the prince his life. The stern
drill and freedom-killing discipline of Frederick William had
become unbearable to the boy, now eighteen years old.
Aided by some of his young friends, he determined to run
away and take refuge at his uncle's court in England. Dur-
ing a diplomatic journey he laid his plans, day after day, but
they came to successive failure. At length everything aug-
ured success. Horses were harnessed to the coach. Fred-
erick had entered it, and his friend was about to drive the
equipage away when prince and abettors were arrested by

YOUNG CHARACTERS IN HISTORY. 573

the king's vigilant officers. Pity the poor boy now! If his
previous acts had savored of disobedience to his father, this
one partook of the nature of desertion from the post of duty —
treason to the state. And as treason the king must treat
it. No matter how heart-strings might be torn, his own
among them, the father was now only the king, the son only
his subject, and a disloyal one. As such he should be pun-
ished. He was at once placed under arrest, and the home-
ward journey was completed.

Space will not permit a full treatment of the other scenes
in this act of the serio-comedy. The anguish of the mother;
the uncontrollable grief of the sister; her punishment by im-
prisonment for daring to pity a felon under sentence of death;
the conflict of the king with the father; and the grief and
gloomy forebodings of the prince, as from his grated window,
he saw his dear friend, who had aided him in his plans,
dragged off to execution; all these are beyond my power.
The boy's life was in the balance. Had not the crowns of
Sweden and Poland been thrown into the pan with it, the
wrath and the sense of justice of the king would have out-
weighed it. Yet the execution of the prince was averted by
so narrow a margin that it makes one dizzy to think how
nearly he approached the abyss. But, fortunately for his
father as for him, he escaped it, through the intervention of
the kings named above.

His discipline was now more severe than ever. Every
movement was watched, and, in order that other ties might
be formed, a wife was chosen for him. Love cut no figure
in the matter. What has a loyal prince to do with love? At
the age of twenty-one, a very respectable, rather unattractive
girl was given to him. She was thenceforth known as his
wife; recognized but not treated as such. For her company
he cared nothing. The domesticity of his life was in an-
other direction, — he was now able, being of age and mar-
ried, to follow his natural bent, toward study and kindred
enjoyment. In that particular and to that extent, wedlock
made him happy. The few years that elapsed before his
elevation to the throne, spent in his favorite studies and in
correspondence with Voltaire, were the happiest of his life.

574 IMPKOVEM ENT ERA.

Thus was the youth of Frederick the Great, passed amid
close restraints, severe discipline, and clandestine pleasures.1
It now remains to be seen in what particulars his manhood
and his kingship fulfilled, in what they exceeded, the promiJ
ses of youth. Before proceeding to this account, let us take
another brief glance at the father, in order to know what kind
of king Frederick must succeed.

An incident which occurred just before Frederick's at-
tempted flight, well illustrates one phase of the king's charac-
ter. While heartily afraid that the prince will flee, his father
taunts him for enduring such tyranny as he was subjected to.
These are his words: "Can you not renounce the heir-ap-
parentship? Your little brother is a fine youth. Give it up,

and go unmolested to the !" The prince's answer is

worthy of a prince: "If your majesty, against the honor of
my mother, declare that I am not your eldest son, yes; not
otherwise!" It seems eccentric, if not actually unkind, for a
father to address his son in such terms. Another idiosyn-
crasy of the king was his intense desire to secure for his
guard as many tall men as possible. These he would get at
any expense or by any means. It is stated that the zeal of
one of his recruiting officers led him to order a tall carpen-
ter to make a box of a certain length (his own) and then get
in it to prove that it was of the right dimensions. The lid
was at once clapped on, and the poor carpenter was carried
off to be a "long soldier" for the king. He was smothered
to death on the way; the recruiting officer was imprisoned for
life. It is fair to suppose that the other peculiarities of the
king have been fairly detailed in the history of the youth of
the prince. This was the man who had occupied the king-
dom and made it what it was; this the sort of place our prince
must fill.

When Frederick came to the throne, the kingdom of
Prussia was in need of a man of even greater strength and
ability than the former king. We have seen that Frederick's
youth gave little promise of these qualities. The rising
power of Prussia must either be hastened or completely
checked. Which of these fates should attend it would de-
pend entirely on the king. Frederick did not hesitate to

YOUNG CHARACTERS IN HISTORY. 575-

seize the uncertain sceptre; in his hands it was no longer un-
certain. The day he mounted the throne, the destiny of
Prussia was fixed. She must develop from an obscure,,
poverty-stricken province of two million people into a nation
of eight millions, with wealth and influence sufficient to lift
her into the active affairs of Europe and make her the nucleus
of united Germany.

For this work no fitter instrument than Frederick could
have been found. He had thoroughly learned his father's
lessons. Self-centered, frugal, severe, absolute in his rule,
interested in his own realm alone, wasting no time himself,
and desiring that his people should waste none, he stalks
through Prussian history, a veritable eighteenth century
Bismarck. Distasteful as military drill had been to the boy,
the king recognized its cultivation as his only safe-guard.
Therefore, he organized one of the finest armies and became
one of the greatest generals in Europe. Nor did he allow
this military power to be wasted. His forces were seldom
idle. While we cannot concede the justness of all his wars,
there is no denying their fortunate outcome. No matter
what motive prompted him to commence hostilities, their
close was always marked by some material advantage to
Prussia. Whether fighting with Maria Theresa to gain
possession of Silesia; or with half of Europe to retain it; or
joining with Austria and Russia to dismember helpless
Poland; he always saw that his own Prussia came out of the
contest enlarged and enriched.

His frugality was as marked as his father's. He allowed
himself none of the refined luxuries which his youth promised.
No magnificent receptions, no expensive dress, no kitchen or
drawing-room extravagance — everything on the basis of
strictest thrift. Bachelors declare that he was able to be
economical because but few women frequented his court, and
he gave only a limited allowance to his wife. He died the
happy possessor of one suit of clothes, and was buried in a
shirt belonging to a servant. The prediction that he would
be the slave of his passions has been referred to. He found
himself so beset with difficulties, and necessarily so devoted
to the affairs of his realm, that no undue consideration could

576 IMPROVEMENT ERA.

be given to any personal luxuries. He seemed to be as ab-
solute a ruler over his desires as over his kingdom.

This latter absolutism was subject to some modification.
He was peculiarly democratic, and frequently walked through
the streets, directing the thought and habits of his people
into useful, industrious channels. At the same time, by al-
lowing free speech and a free press, he made his subjects be-
lieve that they were entirely free. "My people and I," said
he, "understand each other. They are to say what they like
and I am to do what I like." While in many respects un-
just in international matters, he had a strong feeling of justice
toward his own people. The famous windmill story illus-
trates this. A windmill stood at Potsdam on some ground
which he desired to use as a park. The miller refused to
sell. "Not at my price?" said the king's agent. "Could not
the king take it from you for nothing if he chose?" "Have
we not the court of appeal at Berlin?" said the miller, a re-
ply apparently treasonable in its nature, yet so pleasing to
Frederick that he allowed the windmill to stand.

Another incident illustrating his occasional indulgence
of the people is related. A crowd of men surrounding a
place, attracted his attention. "See what it is," he said to
his groom. It was found to be a caricature of the king,
dressed most shabbily and with a coffee mill between his
knees, diligently grinding with one hand and carefully pick-
ing up all stray kernels with the other. This illustration of
his proverbial stinginess, instead of incensing the king ap-
pealed to his grim sense of humor, "Hang it lower that
they may not have to hurt their necks about it, "he said as he
rode slowly away. The crowd tore the cartoon to pieces and
followed the king with the cry "Our Frederick forever!"

One of the traits of his youth which occasionally cropped
out in manhood was his passion for writing alleged poetry.
He turned to this for solace in his difficulties. Says Macau-
lay, "We hardly know any instance of the strength and weak-
ness of human nature so striking and so grotesque as the
character of this haughty, vigilant, resolute blue-stocking,
bearing up against a world in arms, with an ounce of poison
in one pocket, and a quire of bad verses in the other. " In flute-

YOUNG CHARACTERS IN HISTORY. 577

playing he was more skillful, and that pastime formed the
chief solace of his mature years. But the "weighty business
of life," was to him so serious and important that he gave
himself up to it entirely; and in misanthrope, slovenliness,
taciturnity, despotism, atheism, selfishness, and unscrupu-
lousness, he forced his way through to his one purpose, the
aggrandizement of Prussia. What a contrast to the foppish,
frivolous, sentimental youth we first knew!

Yet he could recognize talents in men and justice in
causes, if they were remote from his own interests. He sent
to George Washington a sword inscribed, "The oldest gen-
eral in the world to the bravest;" and just before his death,
he made a treaty with our new republic. Religious freedom
was allowed in his realm, because it did no harm, and he
had no religious faith.

There is no denying his genius. He did for Prussia what
few other men have done for their native land. Yet his pol-
icy was essentially selfish, while "his infidelity, his hatred of
woman, his disregard of the feelings and lives of others, and
his share in the spoliation of Poland, form the dark side of
this brilliant character, and leave us no chance to love, how-
ever highly we may admire."

-44

PASSION WEEK.

THURSDAY, THE FOURTEENTH OF NISAN*

(A$ril6th.)

On "the first day of unleavened bread," when the
Jews were wont to put away all leaven from their houses
(Lightfooton Mark XIV, 12), the disciples asked their Master
where they were to eat the Passover. He directed Peter and
John to go into Jerusalem, and to follow a man whom they
would see carrying a pitcher of water, and to demand of him,
in their Master's name, the use of the guest chamber in his
house for this purpose. All happened as Jesus told them,
and in the evening they assembled to celebrate, for the last
time, the paschal meal. The sequence of the events is not
quite clear from a comparison of the Evangelists; but the
difficulty arises with St. Luke, and there is external evidence
that he is not following the chronological order. The order
seems to be as follows. When they had taken their places at
table and the supper had begun, Jesus gave them the first
cup to divide amongst themselves (Luke). It was customary
to drink at the paschal supper, four cups of wine mixed with
water; and this answered to the first of them. There now
arose among the disciples a contention as to which of them
should be the greatest; perhaps in connection with the places
which they had taken at the feast (Luke). After a solemn
warning against pride and ambition, Jesus performed an act
which, as one of the last of his life, must ever have been re-
membered by witnesses as a great lesson in humility. He

* Erratum: For Wednesday, the Fifteenth of Nisan, in title on
page 492, of May number, read, Wednesday, the Thirteenth of Nisan.,

PASSION WEEK. 579

rose from the table, poured water into a basin, girded himself
with a towel, and proceeded to wash the disciples' feet (John).
It was an office for slaves to perform, and from him, knowing
as he did, "that the Father had given all things into his
hand, and that he was come from God and went to God," it
was unspeakable condescension. But his love for them was
infinite, and if there were any way to teach them the humility
which as yet they had not learned, he would not fail to adopt
it. Peter, with his usual readiness, was the first to refuse to
accept this menial service — "Lord, dost thou wash my feet?"'
When he was told that this act was significant of the greater
act of humiliation by which Jesus saved his disciples and
united them to himself, his scruples vanished. After all had
been washed, the Savior explained to them the meaning of
what he had done. "If I, your Lord and Master, have
washed your feet, ye also ought to wash one another's feet.
For I have given you an example that ye should do as I have
done to you." But this act was only the outer symbol of far
greater sacrifices for them than they could as yet understand.
It was a small matter to wash their feet; it was a greater one
to come down from the glories of heaven to save them.
Later the Apostle Paul put this lesson of humility into another
form and rested it upon deeper grounds. "Let this mind
be in you also which was in Christ Jesus: who, being in the
form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God; but
made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form
of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men, and being
found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself and became
obedient unto death, even the death of the cross (Phil. II: 5-
8; Matt. XXVI: 17-20; Mark XIV: 12-17; Luke XXII: 7-30;
John XIII: 1-20).

From this act of love it does not seem that even Judas
the traitor was excluded. But his treason was thoroughly
known, and now Jesus denounces it. One of them should
betray him. They were all sorrowful at this, and asked, "Is
it I?" and even Judas asked and received an affirmative an-
swer (Matt. ) But probably in an undertone, for when Jesus
said, "That thou doest, do quickly," none of the rest seemed
to have understood. The traitor having gone straight to his

580 IMPROVEMENT ERA.

wicked object, the end of the Savior's ministry in mortality
seemed already at hand. "Now is the Son of Man glorified,
and God is glorified in him." He gave them the new com-
mandment, to love one another, as though it were a last be-
quest to them. To love was not a new thing, it was enjoined
in the old law; but to be distinguished for a special Christian
love and mutual devotion was what he would have and this
was the new element in the commandment. Founded by a
great act of love, the church was to be marked by love (Matt.
XXVI: 21-25; Mark XIV: 18-21; Luke XXII: 21-23; John
XIII: 21-35).

Towards the close of the meal Jesus instituted the sacra-
ment of the Lord's Supper. He took bread and gave thanks
and brake it, and gave to his disciples, saying, "This is my
body which is given for you; this do in remembrance of me."
He then took the cup which corresponded to the third cup in
the usual course of the paschal supper, and after giving
thanks, he gave it to them saying, "This is my blood of the
New Testament (covenant) which is shed for many." It
was a memorial of his passion, and of this last supper which
preceded it, and dwelling on his passion in this sacrament,
in true faith, all believers draw nearer to the cross of his
sufferings and taste more strongly the sweetness of his love
and the efficacy of his atoning death (Matt. XXVI: 26-29;
Mark XXIV: 22-25; Luke XXII: 19-20; I Cor. XI: 23-25).

The denial of Peter is now foretold, and to no one would
such an announcement be more incredible than to Peter him-
self. "Lord, why can not I follow thee now? I will lay
down my life for thy sake." The zeal was sincere, and as
such did the Lord regard it; but here, as elsewhere, Peter
did not count the cost. By and by, when the Holy Spirit has
come down to give them a strength not their own, Peter and
the rest of the disciples will be bold to resist persecution,
even to the death. It needs strong love and deep insight to
view such an act as this denial with sorrow and not with in-
dignation (Matt. XXVI: 31-35; Mark XXIV: 27-31; Luke
XXII: 31-38; John XIII: 36-38). That great final discourse
which John alone records is now delivered. Although in
the middle of it there is a mention of departure (John XIV:

PASSION WEEK. 581

31), this perhaps only implies that they prepared to go; and
then the whole discourse was delivered in the house before
they proceeded to Gethsemane. We suggest that here the
reader turn to that marvelous discourse, and read it while the
circumstances under which it was delivered are fresh in the
mind. After the Sermon on the Mount it is the longest dis-
course of our Savior's on record, and certainly one of the
greatest. It is found in chapters XIII, XIV, XV, XVI
*nd XVII. of St. John's Gospel.

GOODBYE.

The following beautiful poem was written by the author of it on leav-
ing Utah and the United States, to make her home in Mexico. The spirit
of its pathos, the beauty of its similes and the nobility of its patriotism is
worthy of Tom. Moore. — Editor.

Day by day glides away and the hour approaches
Which severs the bond 'twixt my country and me;
The place of my birth, and the home of a life-time,
Columbia — "land of the brave and the free!"
Oh, flag of my nation, loved emblem of freedom,
How oft my heart swelled with a patriot's pride,
But now, as an exile, though never an alien,
I bid you farewell for the world, wild and wide.

Like a child taking leave of a fond, tender mother,
Scenes dear and familiar enrapture the eye —
"It may be for years, and it may be forever,"
I bid you a loving and tearful goodbye.
Should my land of adoption a grave only offer,
And pines sigh a requiem over my tomb,
Though gorgeous and lovely the flowers above me,
Oh, plant on my grave a wild lily from home.

Oh, friends, tried and faithful, I take away with me
The perfume of roses, and heartsease, and balm —

GOODBYE. 583

For the sympathy, love, and the gentle word spoken
Which soothed my bruised spirit with heavenly calm.
As the dews of the night shed their tears o'er the flowers,
So in darkness and silence my tears flow the while
At thought of our parting. Oh, friends, I beseech you
To cheerfully bid me goodbye with a smile.

For the same star that quivers in dear Utah's rivers,
The same silver crescent that showers her ray,
The same sun that mellows the grain in the hollows
Will shine on the exile in lands far away.
And the same hand will guide us, though mountains

divide us,
The same Gospel lead us to mansions on high —
In hope I caress you, God keep you, God bless you
Forever and ever. Goodnight, and goodbye.

Sarah E. Pearson.

PROGRESS OF THE WAR

BETWEEN SPAIN AND THE UNITED STATES OF

AMERICA.

INTRODUCTION.

In order that these articles may furnish something like a
complete review of the present war between Spain and the
United States, it is necessary to present the causes which led to
its outbreak.

Consulting a map which represents the possessions of
the respective European nations in North and South America
at the opening of the present century — the year 1800 — it is to
be seen that Spain was in possession of 7,028,628 square
miles, or 45. 7 per centum of the territory of the two great
American continents — nearly one-half. She was in possession
of all that part of the United States west of the Mississippi
and northward to the British boundary line; all of Mexico and
Central America; Florida and nearly all the Antilles; all of
South America, excepting the eastern portion of it, which was
held by Portugal — an extent of territory undreamed of in
ancient times, and only matched in modern times by two
great nations — the British Empire and Russia. Yet such has
been the injustice and cruelty of Spain in her colonial admin-
istration that one by one her colonies have revolted during
the last century and won their independence; until out of all
her vast American possessions, Spain today retains but a pre-
carious hold upon two islands of the Antilles, Cuba and
Puerto Rico, which together have an area of less than fifty
thousand square miles! And even from these possessions
she has received notice to depart.

PROGRESS OF THE WAR. 585

The course of Spain in her government of Cuba has been
fust what it was in other American Provinces — marked with
rapacious greed and cruelty. During the last fifty years the
Cubans have time and again rose in rebellion against Spanish
injustice and oppression. Well nigh half the time during the
past thirty years the island has been in revolt against Spanish
dominion. Three years ago the present uprising occurred,
its leaders demanding Cuban Independence and for three
years have waged war with that end in view. The war has
been carried on by the Cubans with patience and courage,
though necessarily on the Fabian plan. On the part of
Spain, the war to suppress the efforts of the Cuban patriots
for independence has been characterized by acts so inhuman
and by policies so shocking to civilization that at last the
government of the United States regarded it as a duty to
humanity and civilization to put an end to Spanish atrocities
by forcible interference. The rest of the story is to be told
in the

ANNALS OF THE WAR.

In the early morning hours of the 19th of April, after an
all night session, the American congress passed the following
conjoint preamble and resolutions:

Whereas, The abhorrent conditions which have existed for more than
three years in the island of Cuba, so near our own borders, have shocked
the moral sense of the people of the United States, have been a disgrace to
Christian civilization, culminating as they have, in the destruction of a
United States battleship and 266 of its officers and crew, while on a friendly
visit in the harbor of Havana, and cannot longer be endured, as has been
set forth by the President of the United States in his message to Congress
of April 11, 1898, upon which the action of Congress was invited, therefore.

Resolved, By the Senate and House of Representatives of the United
States of America, in Congress assembled:

First— That the people of the island of Cuba are, and of right ought to
be free and independent.

Second— That it is the duty of the United States to demand and the
government of the United States does hereby demand that the government
of Spain at once relinquish its authority and government in the island of
Cuba, and withdraw its land and naval forces from Cuba and Cuban waters.

Third— That the President of the United States be and he hereby is di •
rected and empowered to use the entire land and naval forces of the United
States and to call into the actual service of the United States the militia of

586 IMPROVEMENT ERA.

the several States, to the extent as may be necessary to carry these resolu-
tions into effect.

Fourth— That the United States hereby disclaims any disposition or
intention to exercise sovereignty, jurisdiction or control over said island, ex-
cept for the pacification thereof, and asserts its determination when that is
accomplished, to leave the government and control of the island to its
people.

These resolutions were signed by President McKinley on
the morning of the 20th of April, and by that act were given
the force of law.

Meantime Spain was not inactive. Her statesmen had
been aware of the fact for some time that there was likely to
be armed intervention by the United States in the interest of
Cuba. The regular time for the assembling of the Spanish
Cortes [Parliament] was the 25th of April, but owing to the
approaching crisis the date of its opening was fixed for the
20th <jf April. It was doubtless, to Spaniards, an inspiring
sight, this opening of the Cortes. That it might be so the
Queen Regent was to open it in person. Large bodies of
troops were drawn up outside the building, while inside all
the members of the diplomatic corps were present in full
dress. When at 2:30 p. m. the Queen Regent appeared and
took her seat on the throne, with the young king on her
right and Premier Sagasta near the latter, there were enthu-
siastic cries of "Viva Reita!" "Viva Alfonso Tres!" and
"Viva Espano!" The part of the Queen Regent's speech
touching on Cuban and American matters was as follows:

The grave anxieties which saddened my mind the last time I addressed
you have increased and are heightened by public uneasiness, conveying the
presentiment of fresh and greater complications, as a result of the turn
which events in Cuba have taken. These complications were brought about
by a section of the people in the United States, which, seeing that the
autonomy previously offered in my message was about to be put in force, fore-
saw that the free manifestation of the Cuban people, through its chambers,
would frustrate forever the schemes against Spanish sovereignty which have
been plotted by those who, with resources and hopes sent from the neighbor-
ing coast, have fettered the suppression of the insurrection in that unhappy
island.

"Should the government of the United States yield to this blind cur-
rent, menaces and insults which we have hitherto been able to regard
with indifference, for they were not an expression of the sentiments of the
true American nation, would become intolerable provocations, which would

PROGRESS OF THE WAR. 587

compel my government, in defense of the national dignity, to sever re-
lations with the government of the United States.

"In this supreme crisis, the sacred voice of him who represents human
justice on earth was raised in counsels of peace and prudence, to which my
government had no difficulty in hearkening, strong in the consciousness of
its right and calm in the strict performance of its duties.

"Spain's gratitude is due the pope and also to the great powers, whosft
action strengthens my conviction that Spain's cause deserves universal sym-
pathy and that her conduct merits unanimous approval. It is possible,
however, that an act of aggression is imminent, and that not the sanctity
of our rights, nor the moderation of our conduct, nor the expressed wish of
the Cuban people, freely manifested, may serve to restrain the passions and
hatred let loose against the Spanish fatherland.

"In support of this critical moment, when reason and justice will have
for their support only Spanish courage and the traditional energy of ou-
people, I have hastened the assembling of the cortes, and the supreme de-
cision of parliament will doubtless sanction the unalterable decision of my
government to defend our rights, with whatsoever sacrifices may be im
posed on us in accomplishing this task."

Continuing, her Majesty said: "Possibly, however, the peace efforts
may fail to control the evil passions excited against Spain. Lest this mo-
ment arrive, I have summoned the cortes to defend our rights at whatever
sacrifice it may entail. Thus identifying myself with the nation, I not only
fulfill the oath I swore in accepting the regency, but I follow the dictates of
a mother's heart, trusting to the Spanish people to gather behind my son's
throne and to defend it until he is old enough to defend it himself, as well
as trusting to the Spanish people to defend the honor and the territory of
the nation."

At the close of the speech the enthusiastic cheering was
renewed.

Oa that eventful day, when the American Intervention
Resolutions were made law by the signature of President
McKinley, and the Spanish cortes assembled and was ad-
dressed by the queen regent, as above, the president of the
United States approved the following

ULTIMATUM TO SPAIN,

which was sent as instructions to the United States minister

Stewart L. Woodford.

Washington, April 20, 1898.

Woodford, Minister of the United States, Madrid: — You have been
furnished with the text of a joint resolution voted by the Congress of th«
United States on the 19th inst., approved today, in relation to the pacifi-
cation of the island of Cuba.

588 IMPROVEMENT ERA.

In obedience to that act, the President directs you to immediately com-
municate to the government of Spain said resolution, with the formal de-
mand upon the government of Spain to at once relinquish its authority and
government in the island of Cuba and withdraw its land and naval forces
from Cuba and Cuban waters.

In taking this step, the United States hereby disclaims any disposition
or intention to exercise sovereignty, jurisdiction or control over the island,
except for the pacification thereof, and asserts its determination when that
is accomplished to leave the government and control of the island to its
people under such free and independent governments as they may establish.

If by the hour of noon, on Saturday next, the 23rd of April,
there be not communicated to this government by the government of Spain
a full and satisfactory response to this demand and resolution, whereby the
ends of peace in Cuba shall be assured, the President will proceed without
further notice to use the power and authority enjoined and conferred upon
him by the said joint resolution to such extent as may be necessary to carry
the same into effect. SHERMAN.

About eleven o'clock the same day (April 20th) the state
department at Washington served notice of the purpose of
the United States by delivering to the Spanish minister,
Luis Polo De Barnabe, a copy of the instruction to Minister
Woodford and also a copy of the Intervention Resolutions,
whereupon he immediately sent to Secretary Sherman the
following request for his passports:

"Legation de Espano, Washington, D. C, April 20, 1898.

"Mr. Secretary: — The resolution adopted by the Congress of America
and approved today by the President, is of such a nature that my perma-
nence in Washington becomes impossible and obliges me to request of you
the delivery of my passports.

"The protection of the Spanish interests will be instrusted to the French
Embassador and to the Austro-Hungarian minster.

"On this occasion, very painful to me, I have the honor to convey to
you the assurance of my highest consideration.

(Signed) "LUIS POLO DE BARNABE.

"Hon. John Sherman, secretary of state of the United States of America,
etc., etc."

The passports were sent, accompanied by a courteous
letter from Secretary Sherman, expressing his regret that
Minister Polo felt called up«n to take this step which severed
diplomatic relations between the two countries. At 7:30 p.
m. the Spanish minister and his staff left Washington for
Canada. As the minister entered the station he was recog-
nized by the crowd, which had gathered, and they closed in

PROGRESS OF THE WAR. 589

about him. No word of indignity was spoken, and the salu-
tations of those in the crowd were rather agreeable than
otherwise.

The minister stood on the front platform of his special
car and had a few parting words with his friends. He spoke
feelingly of his departure, saying the circumstances were most
painful to him. One of his intimates ventured the suggestion
that he would be back soon, under much more favorable cir-
cumstances, but he shook his head and said he feared this
could not be the case. He said his request for his passports
h,2jd been made only after the enactment of a law which at-
tacked Spain's sovereignty, impugned her honor and insulted
her.

Before the train departed Lieutenant Carantha, naval at-
tache of the Spanish legation, expressed and authorized the
associated press to publish the following views respecting
the war:

"It is no longer a question of retaining Cuba. That was merely a
question of territory. Now a higher purpose is in view — the honor and
dignity of Spain — since the United States has contemptuously ordered
Spain to vacate Cuba, and has made the infamous charge that we are res-
ponsible for the murder of the poor men of the 'Maine.' These orders and
charges are made with a kick of the boot, and against such action Spain
will resist to the uttermost. There should be no mistake about this. His-
tory has recorded that even the legions of Napoleon, with 400,000 men,
bearing the triumphs of all Europe, were halted and retired from Spain
after those legions had lost between 200,000 and 300,000 men.

"We recognize the gallantry of the American navy and the notable
heroes of its past — Paul Jones, Farragut, Porter — but Spain, too, has her
heroes, and their blood is in the veins of those now called upon to defend
her honor. I speak after recently talkiag with my naval associates, com-
manders of Spanish ships and of torpedo boats, and I know that there is
but one sentiment, namely, that not one Spanish ship shall be taken. Your
navy may send many of them to the bottom; superior forces may seek to
annihilate them, but not one Spanish ship will surrender to the American
navy. With honor at stake, that will be the response of the navy of Spain. "

The Spanish minister and his staff reached British terri-
tory without molestation.

The same day the Cuban colonial delegation also termi-
nated its relations at Washington. It had been appointed
by the Cuban Autonomic Cabinet, for the purpose, in the

590 IMPROVEMENT ERA.

main, of affecting a reciprocity treaty. Senor Anguello was at
the head of the delegation. He left New York at 4 p. m.,
and his associates accompanying him. Thus both the repre-
sentatives of Spain and of Spanish rule in Cuba terminated
their relationship with the United States.

A CONTRAST IN TREATMENT OF MINISTERS.

Before the United States minister had an opportunity to
present the Intervention Resolutions and America's Ultima-
tum, the Spanish government broke diplomatic relations by
sending to Minister Woodford this note signed by Senor P.
Gullon, minister of foreign affairs:

"Dear Sir: In compliance with a painful duty, I have the honor to
inform you that there has been sanctioned by the president of the republic,
a resolution of both chambers of the United States which denies the legiti-
mate sovereignty of Spain and threatens armed intervention in Cuba, which
is equivalent to a declaration of war.

"The government of her majesty has ordered her minister to return
without loss of time from North American territory, together with all the
personnel of the legation.

"By this act the diplomatic relations heretofore existing between the
two countries and all official communications between their respective
representatives cease.

' 'I am obliged thus to inform you, so that you may make such arrange-
ments as you think fit. I beg your excellency to acknowledge receipt of
this note at such time as you deem proper. Taking this opportunity to re-
iterate to you the assurances of my distinguished consideration.

(Signed) "P. GULLON."

Minister Woodford on the receipt of this note requested
his passports, which were immediately furnished him. He
also sent the following note to Secretary Sherman, informing
him of the action of the Spanish government:

Madrid, April 21, 1898.
Sherman, Washington: — Early this (Thursday) morning, immediately
*fter the receipt of your telegram, and before I had communicated tha
same to the Spanish government, the Spanish minister of foreign affairs-
notified me that diplomatic relations are broken between the two countries,
and that all official communication between their respective representatives
have ceased. I accordingly asked for safe passports. I turn legation over
to British embassy, and leave for Paris this afternoon. Have notified
consuls. WOODFORD.

PROGRESS OF THE WAR. 591

In the afternoon of the 21st of April Minister Woodford
started for Paris. An immense crowd gathered at the station
to witness his departure. A strong force of police and civic
guards maintained order, while amid the crowd moved a
large number of private detectives. A detachment of civil
guards accompanied General Woodford to the frontier. The
retiring minister maintained his usual calmness, but looked
worn and fatigued. When General Woodford took his seat
Jn the train there was a stir among the spectators and a rush
toward the carriage window. The minister sat dignified.
Senor Anguello, the civil governor of Madrid, his gigantic
figure rising head and shoulders above the crowd, in a sten-
torian voice raised a cheer, which was thrice responded to by
the crowd. "Viva Espano!" resounded throughout the sta-
tion until the train was fairly outside. This was not meant
as a kindly farewell, but was an explosion of long pent-up
feeling. Outside the station Senor Anguello addressed the
crowd, counselling calmness and confidence in the govern-
ment, which he said would safeguard the honor of Spain.

When the train bearing the minister and party reached
Valladolid, midway between Madrid and the French frontier,
it was attacked, the Spanish police attempting to capture Mr.
Moreno, a member of the legation, on the ground that he is a
subject of Spain.

Thousands of excited people attempted to invade the rail-
road station and the twenty civil guards, who accompanied the
train were compelled to form up in front of General Woodford's
carriage with drawn swords, while other civil guards of the
local force issued from the depot to protect the train. The
guards did everything possible to keep back the mob, whose
yells and shrieks resounded on every side. Stones were thrown
at the train and windows were broken. A newspaper man
was wounded in the face by broken glass. Sir Charles Hall,
the recorder of the city of London, had a norrow escape from
being hit with stones and Mr. Montague Hughes, Cracken-
thorpe, Q. C, had a similar experience.

A sergeant of the civil guard, accompanied by a private,
boarded the train and demanded that Mr. Joaquin Moreno
disembark from the car. James, the general's valet, there-

592 IMPROVEMENT ERA.

upon awakened the general, who hurriedly dressed while mat-
ters were being explained to him.

The general then formally protested, through the med-
ium of the correspondent of the Associated Press, against the
attempted interference with his suite, declaring that Mr.
Moreno was his private secretary and a British subject. The
Spanish claimed that he was a Spanish subject, but the gen-
eral refused to give him up to the police and placed himself
in the doorway of the compartment in which Mr. Moreno was
traveling, declaring he would only surrender the latter if
forced to do so.

The minister then asked the correspondent of the Asso-
ciated Press to explain to the Spaniards that he placed Mr.
Moreno under the protection of the British flag, and if they
took him it would only be by using personal violence to the
United States minister, who proposed to protect Mr. Moreno
until the frontier was crossed.

It was explained to the Spanish officials that further in-
terference might lead to complications with Great Britain and
they withdrew. The ministerial party finally reached Paris
without further interference.

THE EXISTENCE OF WAR.

The action of Spain in these several steps which broke
off diplomatic relations with the United States inaugurated a
state of war between the two countries and hostilities on
either side were justifiable. Such conditions were evidently
recognized by the governor-general of Cuba, when on the 21st
of April he issued the following manifesto:

THE GENERAL GOVERNMENT OF THE ISLAND OF CUBA TO
THE INHABITANTS OF CUBA:

"Without any reason or legality; without the least offense on our part,
and at a time when they have received from us only proofs of friendship,
the United States are forcing us into war just at a moment when quietude
began to settle over the country, when production was flourishing, com-
merce taking courage and peace approaching, with the co-operation of all
classes and all parties under the new institutions granted by the mother
country.

PROGRESS OF THE WAR. 5 ^

"Such a proceeding is without precedent in history. It evidently
manifests the bogus politics of the republic, demonstrating the tricky plans
and purposes that have always been nourished against Spain's sovereignty
in Cuba, which the enemy has been conspiring for nearly a century U
destroy. Our foes now carry their hypocrisy and falsehood to the ext.nt of
demanding immediate peace in a war provoked and sustained by themselves.
Her prudence and moderation have been of no avail to Spain, though she
has carried her concessions to the extreme limit of toleration in order to
avoid a rupture.

"She still deplores this state of affairs, but she accepts it with all the
energy inspired by a glorious national history and the pride of her people,
a pride which will never yield to the strangers, nor consent to see Spain's
right and reason trampled upon by a nation of nobodies.

"If the United States wants the island of Cuba, let them come and take
it. Perhaps the hour is not far distant in which these Carthagenians of
America will find their Zama in this island of Cuba, which Spain discovered,
peopled and civilized, and which will never be anything but Spanish.

"It is our turn to have the honor of defending her, and we will know
how to do it with decision and an effort many a time put forth. I count
upon you for this with absolute certainty. I believe there is no sacrifice
you are not prepared to make in defense of the national territory whose in-
tegrity is sacred to all Spaniards of whatever origin. I am sure that every
one in whose veins runs Spanish blood will respond readily to the call,
which, in these solemn moments, I address to all, and that all will group
themselves around me to contribute as much as they can to repel a foreign
invasion, without allowing dangers, sufferings or privations to weaken the
heart of courage.

"To arms then, follow countrymen! To arms! There will be a place
for all in the fight. Let all co-operate and contribute with the same firmness
and enthusiasm to fight the eternal enemy of the Spanish name, emulating
the exploits of our ancestors, who always exalted high their country's fame
and honor. To arms! Cry a thousand times 'Viva Espano!' 'Viva El Rey
Alfonso XIII !' 'Viva La Regente!' 'Viva Cuba, always Spanish!'

"Your Governor-General,

"RAMON BLANCO,
'vlavana, April 21, 1898."

THE FIRST PRIZE.

Meantime, in view of the certainty of war, both govern-
ments had been preparing for hostilities by purchasing war
ships and mobilizing their fleets. War ships on the part of
the United States had been rendezvoused at Xey West, off
the southern coast of Florida, within a few hours run of Cuba.
In view of the transactions of the 21st of April, the American
45

594 IMPROVEMENT ERA.

vessels were prepared for action on the 22nd, and were virtu-
ally patrolling Cuban approaches. About seven o'clock that
morning the American gunboat Nashville sighted the Span-
ish merchantman, Buena Ventura, bound northward. The
Nashville gave pursuit, put a shot across her bows, as a sum-
mons for her to stop. The gun was manned by Lieutenant
Dillingham, and was doubtless the. first shot of the war.
The Spaniard ignored the shot, but a second one, somewhat
closer, brought him to, and the vessel, the first prize of the
war, was taken to Key West.

The same day the flag ship New York captured a Spanish
freight vessel, Pedro de Bilboa, which was also sent to Key
West in charge of a prize crew.

The same day also the following proclamation, blockad-
ing Cuban ports, was issued by President McKinley:

A PROCLAMATION.

Whereas, By a joint resolution passed by the Congress and approved
April 20, 1898, and communicated to the government of Spain it was de-
manded that said government at once relinquish its authority and govern-
ment in the island of Cuba and withdraw its naval forces from Cuba and
Cuban waters, and the President of the United States was directed and em-
powered to use the entire land and naval forces of the United States and to
tall into the actual service of the United States the militia of the several
states to such extent as might be necessary to carry said resolution into
effect; and

Whereas, In carrying into effect the resolution the President of the
United States deems it necessary to set on foot and maintain a blockade of
the north coast of Cuba, including all ports of said coast between Cardenas
and Bahla Honda, and the port of Cienfuegos on the south coast of Cuba;

Now, therefore, I, William McKinley, President of the United States,
in order to enforce the said resolution, do hereby declare and proclaim that
the United States of America have instituted and will maintain a blockade
of the north coast of Cuba including ports on said coast between Cardenas
and Bahia Honda and the port of Cienfuegos on the south coast of Cuba,
aforesaid, in pursuance of the laws of the United States and the laws of
nations applicable to such cases. An efficient force will be posted so as to
prevent the entrance and exit of vessels from the ports aforesaid.

Any neutral vessel approaching said ports and attempting to leave the
lame without notice or knowledge of the establishment of such blockade
will be duly warned by the commander of the blockading forces, who will
indorse on her register the fact and the date of such warning and where
indorsement was made; and if the same vessels shall again attempt to

PROGRESS OF THE WAR. 593

enter any blockaded port she will be captured and sent to the nearest con-
venient port for such proceedings against her and her cargo as prize as may
be deemed advisable. Neutral vessels lying in any of the said ports at the
time of the establishment of such blockade will be allowed thirty days to
issue therefrom.

In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal
of the United States to be affixed. Done at the city of Washington, this
B2nd day of April, A. D. 1898, and of the Independence of the United
States the One Hundred and Twenty-second.

WILLIAM McKINLEY
By the President:

JOHN SHERMAN, Secretary of State.

THE CALL FOR VOLUNTEERS.

On the 23rd of April the president of the United States-
isLaed the following call for volunteers for the army of the
United States destined for the invasion of Cuba to drive out
the Spaniards.

A PROCLAMATION.

Whereas, By an act of Congress entitled "An act to provide for the in-
creasing of the military establishment ot the United States in time of war
ai.J for other purposes," approved April 22, 1898, the president was author-
ized in order to raise a volunteer army to issue his proclamation calling for
volunteers to serve in the army of the United States.

Now, therefore, I, William McKinley, president of the United States,
by virtue of the power vested in me by the Constitution and by laws, and
deeming sufficient occasion to exist, have thought fit to call for, and hereby
do call for, volunteers to the aggregate number of 125,000, in order to carry
Into effect the purpose of the said resolution, the same to be apportioned as
far as practicable among the several states and territories and the District
of Columbia, according to population, and to serve two years, un'ess sooner
discharged.

The details for this object will be immediately communicated to the
proper authorities through the War Department.

In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and caused the seal
of the United States to be affixed.

Done at Washington, this twenty-third day of April, 1898, and of the
4-^ependence of the United States the One Hundred and Twenty-second.

(Signed) WILLIAM McKINLEY.

By the President:

JOHN SHERMAN, Secretary of State.

When on the 25th of the month the War Department

596 IMPROVEMENT ERA.

called upon the several states for their quota of troops the call
was most heartily responded to by the several states of the
Union. In nearly every case the number volunteering exceeded
the quota assigned the state. In a number of states whole com-
panies and regiments of militia desired to be enrolled; and
much disappointment was expressed when this could not be
allowed.

THE FIRST SHOT FROM SPAIN.

The first gun fired by Spain in the war was on the even*
ing of the 23rd. The American blockading fleet was lying
eight miles off Havana, when the torpedo boat Ericsson, Cap-
tain Usher commanding, was ordered out on scout duty, and
ran close to Moro Castle, when the guns of that fortress
opened fire upon her, and the fleet. The firing was done
more in a tentative way than an attack. Not a shot found a
billet, and the American fleet made no response.

Meantime the question was widely discussed throughout
America as to the propriety of issuing a declaration of war.
It was quite generally held that a state of war actually ex-
isted, the world was sufficiently aware of that fact and noth-
ing remained but to push hostilities vigorously. President
McKinley, however, determined upon recommending to Con-
gress the formal adoption of a declaration of war; and on the
25th of April sent the following special message to Congress:

To the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States ol
America:

I transmit to the Congress for its consideration and appropriate action,
copies of correspondence recently had with the representative of Spain in
the United States, with the United States minister at Madrid, and through
the latter, with the government of Spain, showing the action taken under
the joint resolution approved April 20, 1898, for the recognition of the inde-
pendence of the people of Cuba, demanding that the government of Spain
relinquish its authority and government in the island of Cuba and to with-
draw its land and naval forces from Cuba and Cuban waters, and directing
the President of the United States to use the land and naval forces of the
United States to carry these resolutions into effect.

Upon communicating to the Spanish minister in Washington the de-
mand which it became the duty of the Executive to address to the govern-
ment of Spain in obedience to said resolution, the said minister asked for

PROGRESS OF THE WAR. 597

his passports, and withdrew. The United States minister at Madrid was
in turn notified by the Spanish minister for foreign affairs that the with-
drawal of the Spanish representative to the United States had terminated
diplomatic relations between the two countries, and that all official com-
munications between their respective representatives ceased therewith.

I recommend to your special attention the note directed to the United
States minister at Madrid by the Spanish minister for foreign affairs on the
21st inst., whereby the foregoing notification was communicated. It will
be perceived that the Spanish government, having cognizance of the resolu-
tions and in view of things which the President is thereby required and au-
thorized to do, responds by treating the representative demands of this
government as measures of hostility, following with that instant and com-
plete severance of relations by its action, whereby the usages of nations ac-
companies an existent state of war between sovereign powers.

The position of Spain being made known and the demands of the United
States being denied, with a complete rupture in the intercourse with Spain,
I have been constrained in the exercise of power and authority conferred
upon me by the joint resolution aforesaid to proclaim under date of April
22, 1898, a blockade of certain ports of the north coast of Cuba, lying be-
tween Cardenas and Bahia Honda, and of the port of Cienfuegos on the
south coast of Cuba; and further, in exercise of my constitutional powers
and using the authority conferred upon me by the act of Congress approved
April 22, 1898, to issue my proclamation dated April 23, 1898, calling for
volunteers in order to carry into effect the said resolution of April 20, 1898.
Copies of these proclamations are hereupon appended.

In view of the measure so taken, and with a view to the adoption of
such other measures as may be necessary to enable, me to carry out the ex-
pressed will of the Congress of the United States in the premises, I now
recommend to your honorable body the adoption of a joint resolution de-
claring that a state of war exists between the United States of America and
the kingdom of Spain, and I urge speedy action thereon to the end that the
definition of the international status of the United States as a belligerent
power may be known and the assertion of all its rights and the maintenance
of all the duties in the conduct of a public war may be assured.

(Signed) WILLIAM McKINLEY.

Executive Mansion, Washington, D. C, April 25, 1898.

As soon as the reading of the message was completed in
the house of representatives the committee on foreign rela-
tions immediately presented for the action of the house the
following:

DECLARATION OF WAR.

Be it enacted by the senate and house of representatives of the United
States of America in congress assembled: —

598 IMPROVEMENT ERA.

First — That war be and the same is hereby declared to exist, and that
war has existed since the 21st of April, A. D. 1898, including Sunday, be-
tween the United States of America and the kingdom of Spain.

Second — That the president of the United States is hereby directed and
empowered to use the entire land and naval forces of the United States
and to call into the actual service of the United States the militia of tha
several states to such extent as may be necessary to carry this act into effect.

It took the house just one minute and forty-one seconds
to pass this bill, and send it to the senate. There was no
excitement, no cavil, no word or question. It was only in
the great cheer that went up from the floor and the galleries
when Speaker Reed announced its passage that the tremend-
ous import of the act, and the suppressed enthusiasm behind
it was shown.

The action of the senate was somewhat slower. An
amendment was offered the effect of which was to recognize
the freedom and independence of Cuba. This was defeated
by a vote of 38 to 24. Some criticism was passed upon re-
cognizing that a state of war had existed from the 21st of
April, but nothing came of it. After a discussion of one bour
and a half the senate passed the declaration without division.
The president signed it a little after six p.m. the same day,
and the war declaration became the law of the land.

The day following the issuance of the formal declaration
of war the President issued the following proclamation re-
specting the rules under which, so far as the United States is
concerned, the war would be conducted:

A PROCLAMATION.

Whereas, By an act of Congress, approved April 25, 1898, it is con-
cluded that war exists and has existed since the 21st of April, A. D. 1898,
including the said day, between the United States of America and the king-
dom of Spain, and,

Whereas, It being desirable that such war should be conducted upon
principles in harmony with the views of nations and sanctioned by recent
practice, it has already been announced that the policy of this government
will be not to resort to privateering, but to adhere to the rules of the decla-
ration of Paris, now, therefore, I, William McKinley, President of the
United States of America, by virtue of the power vested in me by the Con-
stitution and the laws, do hereby declare and proclaim:

First — The neutral flag covers enemy's goods, with the exception of
contraband of war.

PROGRESS OF TfTE WAR:. 59«

Second — Neutral goods, not contraband of war, are not liable to con-
fiscation under the enemy's flag.

Third — Blockades in order to be binding must be effective.

Fourth — Spanish merchant vessels in any ports or places within tha
United States shall be allowed until May 21, 1898, inclusive, for loading
their cargoes and departing from such ports or places; and such Spanish
merchant vessels if met at sea by any United States ship, shall be permitted
to continue their voyage if, on examination of their cargoes it shall be
ihown that their cargoes were taken on board before the expiration of the
above time, provided that nothing herein contained shall apply to Spanish
vessels having on board any officers in the military or naval service of the'
enemy or any coal (except such as may be necessary for their voyage) or
any other article prohibited or contraband of war, or any dispatch of or
to the Spanish government.

Fifth — Any Spanish merchant vessel which, prior to April i\, 1898,
Bhall have sailed from any foreign port bound for any port or place in the
United States shall be permitted to enter such port or place and to discharge-
her cargo and afterwards, forthwith, to depart, without molestation, and
any such vessel, if met at sea by any United States ship, shall be permitted'
to continue her voyage to any port not blockaded.

Sixth — The right of search is to be exercised with strict regard for the
right of neutrals and the voyages of mail steamers are not to be interfered
with except on the clearest ground of suspicion of a violation of law in re-
spect of contraband or blockade.

WILLIAM McKINLEY.

Done at the Department of State, etc., this 26th day of April, A.
X>, 1898.

This proclamation met with very general approval from
the leading nations of Europe and Asia, who promptly issued
declarations of nutrality.

On the afternoon of the 27th of April three vessels, the
flag ship New York, Puritan and the Cincinnatti, belonging to
Rear-Admiral Sampson's fleet, then blockading the pre-
scribed Cuban coast, bombarded the Spanish forts at the
mouth of Mantanzas harbor. About three hundred shots
were fired from the American vessels and the fortifications
were reduced and their guns silenced. The object of the
attack was to prevent the completion of the earthworks at
Punta Gorda. There were no casualities on the American
side. What loss the Spanish sustained other than the de-
struction of the half completed fortifications attacked is not
known.

600 IMPROVEMENT ERA.

MOVEMENTS IN THE PACIFIC.

Meantime interest in naval operations of the war began to
center in the far east — about the Philippine Islands. This
group of islands several hundred miles off the southeast coast of
China, constitute the largest colonial possessions of Spain.
They have an area of 114,326 square miles and a popu-
lation of 7,000,000; but here as in her other colonies Spain
was confronted with an insurrection of the native people.
The Philippine revolt, however, has been held in severe
check and up to the breaking out of the present war there
was little prospect of its leaders throwing off Spanish rule.
The interests of Spain was guarded in the far east by a
Spanish fleet of nine war vessels under command of Admiral
Montojo. Stationed at Honkgong, for the purpose of pro-
tecting the important American trade interests in the far east,
was an American fleet of seven ships under command of
Commodore George Dewey.

On the breaking out of war instructions were sent to
Commodore Dewey to seek the Spanish fleet and destroy or
capture it. This word he received on the 25th of April and
two days later, April 27th, he started for Manila, the capital
of the Philippines, where he had good reasons to believe the
Spanish fleet would be rendezvoused, as there the Spanish
Admiral would have the advantage of fighting under the pro-
tection of the powerful forts at the entrance of Manila Bay.
It was expected that the American fleet would arrive in
Phillippine waters about the 30th of April, and hence for the
time being interest was withdrawn from the Atlantic seaboard
to the Pacific.

The first news of the great naval battle which took place
at Manila Bay was uncertain. Before it had closed the
cable connecting Manila with the world was cut, and
though the general report which came rumored a great
American victory, yet at what cost it had been won, to
what extent the American fleet had suffered, could not
be definitely learned for some time, and the suspense
throughout the nation was painful. At last, however,
on the 7th of May, the following official dispatch froro Com-

PROGRESS OF THE WAR. GQJ

modore Dewey was received confirming the reports of his re-
markable achievement in destroying the Spanish fleet and
the forts:

Manila, May i.— Long, Secretary Navy.
Squadron arrived at Manila at daybreak this morning. I immediately
engaged the enemy and destroyed the following Spanish vessels: Reina
Christina, Castiila, Don Antonio de Ulloa, Isla de Luzon, Jsla de Cuba,
Gen. Lezo, Marques de Duero, Correo, Velasco, Isla de Mindanao, a
transport, and war battery at Cavite. The squadron is uninjured, and
only a few men are slightly wounded. Only means of telegraphing is to
American consul at Hongkong. I shall communicate with him.

DEWEY.
And subsequently came the following:

Cavite, May 4. — Long, Sacretary Navy.
I have taken possession of the naval station at Cavite, Phillipine
Islands, and destroyed its fortifications; have destroyed fortifications at the
bay entrance, patrolling the garrison. I control the bay completely and
can take the city at any time. The squadron is in excellent health and
spirits. The Spanish loss not fully known, but very heavy, 150 killed, in-
cluding the captain of the Reina Christina. I am assisting in protecting
the Spanish sick and wounded; 250 sick and wounded in hospital within
lines. Much excitement at Manila. Will protect foreign residents.

DEWEY.

The same day that the above official dispatches were re-
ceived, the secretary of the navy wired the following dis-
patch to the successful commander:

Washington, May 7. — Dewey, Manila.
The President, in the name of the American people, thanks you and
your officers and men for your splendid achievement and overwhelming
victory. In recognition he has appointed you Acting Admiral, and will
recommend a vote of thanks to you by Congress.

LONG.

DESCRIPTION OF THE GREAT NAVAL BATTLE AT MANILA.

The following vivid description of the great naval battle
in Manila bay, was written by one who witnessed the en-
gagement from the deck of Admiral Dewey's flag ship
Olympia: —

Commodore Dewey arrived off Manila bay last night
(April 30th) and decided to enter the bay at once.

^02 IMPROVEMENT ERA.

With all its lights out the squadron steamed into Boca-
grande, with crews at the guns. This was the order of the
■quadron, which was kept during the whole time of the first
battle:—

The flag ship Olympic/,. The Baltimore. The Raleigh.
The Petrel. The Co?icord. The Boston.

It was just eight o'clock, a bright moonlight night, but
the flag ship passed Corregidor Island without a sign being
given that the Spaniards were aware of its approach.

Not until the flagship was a mile beyond Corregidor was
a gun fired. Then one heavy shot went screaming over the
Raleigh and the Olympia, followed by a second, which fell
further astern.

The Raleigh, the Concord and the Boston replied, the
Concord's shells exploding apparently exactly inside the
shore battery, which fired no more.

Our squadron slowed down to barely steerage way and the
men were allowed to sleep alongside their guns.

Commodore Dewey had timed our arrival so that we
were within five miles of the city of Manila at daybreak.

We then sighted the Spanish squadron, Rear-admiral
Montojo commanding, off Cavite — pronounced [Kahveetay],
with accent on the "vee." Here the Spaniards had a well
equipped navy yard called Cavite Arsenal.

Admiral Montojo's flag v/as flying on the 3,500 ton pro-
tected cruiser Reina Christina. The protected cruiser, Castilla,
of 3,200 tons, was moored ahead, and astern to the port
battery and to seaward were the cruisers Don Juan de Austria,
Don Antonio de Ulloa, Isla de Cuba, Is la de Luzon, Quiros,
Marquis del Onero and General Lczox.

These ships and the flag ship remained under way during
most of the action.

With the United States flag flying at all their mastheads
our ships moved to the attack in the line ahead, with a speed
of eight knots, first passing in front of Manila, where the
action was begun by three batteries mounting guns powerful
enough to send a shell over us at a distance of five miles.

The Concord's guns boomed out a reply to these batteries
with two shots. No more were fired, because Commodore
Dewey could not engage with these batteries without sending
death and destruction into the crowded city.

As we neared Cavite two very powerful submarine mines
were exploded ahead of the flag ship. This was at six
minutes past five o'clock.

The Spaniards evidently had misjudged our position.
Immense volumes of water were thrown high in air by these
destroyers, but no harm was done to our ships.

PROGRESS OF THE WAR. 603

Commodore Dewey had fought with Farragut at New
Orleans and Mobile bay, where he had his first experience
with torpedoes. Not knowing how many more mines there
might be ahead, he still kept on without faltering.

No other mines exploded, however, and it is believed
that the Spaniards had only these two in place.

Only a few minutes later the shore battery at Cavite
Point sent over the flag ship a shot that nearly hit the battery
in Manila, soon the guns got a better range, and the shells
began to strike near us or burst close aboard from both the
batteries and the Spanish vessels.

The heat was intense. Men stripped off all clothing
except their trousers.

As the Olympia drew nearer all was as silent on board as
if the ship had been empty, except for the whirr of blowers
and the throb of the engines.

Suddenly a shell burst directly over us.

From the boatswain's mate at the after 5-inch gun came
a hoarse cry —

"REMEMBER THE MAINE!"

Arose from the throats of five hundred men at the guns.

This watchword was caught up in turrets and firerooms,
wherever a seaman or fireman stood at his post.

"Remember the Maine!" had rung out for defiance and
revenge. Its utterance seemed unpremeditated, but was evi-
dently in every man's mind, and, now that the moment had
come to make adequate reply to the murder of the Maine's
crew, every man shouted what was in his heart.

The Olympia was now ready to begin the fight.

Commodore Dewey, his chief of staff, Commander Lam-
berton, and aide and myself, with Executive Officer Lieu-
tenant Reese and Navigator Lieutenant Calkins, who conned
the ship most admirably, were on the forward bridge. Cap-
tain Gridley was in the conning tower, as it was thought un-
safe to risk losing all the senior officers by one shell.

"You may fire when ready, Gridley," said the commo-
dore, and at nineteen minutes of six o'clock, at a distance of
5,500 yards, the starboard 8-inch gun in the forward turret
roared forth a complement to the Spanish forts.

Presently similar guns from the Baltimore and the Bos-
ion sent 250 pound shells hurtling toward the Castilla and|the
Reina Christina for accuracy.

The Spaniards seemed encouraged to fire faster, know-
ing exactly our distance, while we had to guess theirs. Their
•hip and shore guns were making things hot for us.

604 IMPROVEMENT ERA,

The piercing scream of shot was varied often by the
bursting of time fuse shells, fragments of which would lash
the water like shrapnel or cut our hull and rigging.

One large shell that was coming straight at the Olympiads
forward bridge fortunately fell within less than one hundred
feet away. One fragment cut the rigging exactly over the
heads of Lamberton, Rees and myself.

Another struck the bridge gratings in line with it. A
third passed just under Commodore Dewey and gouged a
hole in the deck. Incidents like these were plentiful.

Our men naturally chafed at being exposed without re-
turning fire from all our guns, but laughed at danger and
chatted good humoredly. A few ^ous fellows could not
help dodging mechanically wheu ^nells would burst right
over them or close aboard, or would strike the water and passed
overhead, with the peculiar spluttering roar made by a tum-
bling rifled projectile.

Still, the flagship steered for the centre of the Spanish
line, and, as our other ships were astern, the Olympia received
most of the Spaniards' attention.

Owing to our deep draught Commodore Dewey felt con-
strained to change his course at a distance of four thousand
yards and run parallel to the Spanish column.

"Open with all guns," he said, and the ship brought her
port broadside bearing.

The roar of all the flagship's 5-inch rapid firers was fol-
lowed by a deep diapason of her after turret 8-inchers.

Soon our other vessels were equally hard at work, and
we could see that our shells were making Cavite harbor hot-
ter for the Spaniards than they had made the approach for us.

Protected by their shore batteries and made safe from
close attack by shallow water, the Spaniards were in a strong
position. They put up a gallant fight.

The Spanish ships were sailing back and forth behind
the Castilla, and their fire, too, was hot.

One shot struck the Baltimore and passed clean through
her, fortunately hitting no one. Another ripped up her main
deck, disabled a 6-inch gun and exploded a box of 3-pounder
ammunition, wounding eight men.

The Olympia was struck abreast the gun in the ward-
room by a shell which burst outside, doing little damage.

The signal halyards were cut from Lieutenant Brumby's
hand on the after bridge. A shell entered the Boston's port
quarter and burst in Ensign Dodridge's stateroom, starting a
hot fire, and fire was also caused by a shell which burst in the
port hammock netting. Both these fires were quickly put
out.

PROGRESS OF THE WAR.

605

Another shell passed through the Boston's foremast just
in front of Captain Wildes, on the bridge.

After having made four runs along the Spanish line, find-
ing the chart incorrect, Lieutenant Calkins, the Olympics navi-
gator, told the commodore he believed he could take the
ship nearer the enemy, with lead going to watch the depth
of water. The flagship started over the course for the fifth
time, running within two thousand yards of the Spanish ves-
sels.

At this range even 6-pounders were effective, and the
storm of shells poured upon the unfortunate Spanish began
to show marked results.

Three of the enemy's vessels were seen burning and their
fire slackened.

On finishing this run Commodore Dewey decided to give
the men breakfast, as they had been at the guns two hours
with only one cup of coffee to sustain them.* Action ceased
temporarily at twenty-five minutes of eight o'clock, the other
ships passing the flagship and the men cheering lustily.

Our ships remained beyond range of the enemy's guns
until ten minutes of eleven o'clock, when the signal for close
action again went up. The Baltimore had the place of honor
in the lead, with the flagship following and the other ships
as before.

The Baltimore began firing at the Spanish ships and bat-
teries at sixteen minutes past eleven o'clock, making a series
of hits as if at target practice.

The Spaniards replied very slowly, and the Commodore
signalled ithe Raleigh, the Boston, the Concord and the Pet-
rel to go into the inner harbor and destroy all the enemy's
ships.

By her light draught the little Petrel was enabled to
move within one thousand yards. Here, firing swiftly but

*When our ships drew away for breakfast Sunday morning, the temper
of the men was well illustrated by the almost tearful appeal of one gun
captain to Commander Lamberton: —

"For God's sake, captain, don't stop now! Let's finish 'em up right off.
To hell with breakfast!"

* # * *

"Old Purdy," a privileged petty officer, because he has served in the
navy or army nearly fifty years, was greeted by the Commodore on Satur*
day, when the old man "shifted his quid," and said: —

"I hope you won't fight on the third of May, Commodore."

"Why not?" asked Commodore Dewey.

"Well, you see," the old man answered, "I got licked last time I fought
en that date."

Purdy had been with Hooker at Chancellorsville, and he did not like
«hat anniversary.

606 IMPROVEMENT ERA.

accurp^ely, she commanded everything still flying the Spanish
flag.

Other ships were also doing their whole duty, and soon
not one red and yellow ensign remained aloft, except on a
battery up the coast.

The Spanish flagship and the Castillo, had long been
burning fiercely, and the last vessel to be abandoned was the
Don Antonio de Ulloa, which lurched over and sank.

Then the Spanish flag on the Arsenal staff was hauled
down, and at half-past twelve o'clock a white flag was hoisted
there. Signal was made to the Petrel to destroy all the
vessels in the inner harbor, and Lieutenant Hughes, with an
armed boat's crew, set fire to the Don Juan de Austria,
Marquis Duero, the Is la de Cuba and the Co7-reo.

The large transport Manila and many tugboats and
small craft fell into our hands.

"Capture or destroy Spanish squadron," were Dewey's
orders. Never were instructions more effectually carried out.
Within seven hours after arriving on the scene of action
nothing remained to be done.

Except in numbers of vessels the United States squad-
ron was the superior of the Spanish squadron; yet every one
of Admiral Dewey's ships was penetrable by the guns of the
Spanish ships had the gunners of the latter been able to point
their pieces properly. The largest guns mounted on board
the American ships were 8-inch, of which there were ten.
Spain had no larger calibre afloat than 6-inch.

While, then, the superiority of the United States squad-
ron to the Spanish squadron is unquestioned, yet sight must
not be lost of the fact that the enemy's squadron lay under
the guns of a large fortress. Hence our newly made admiral
had to fight not only against a fleet afloat, but also against
powerful batteries on shore.

PROGRESS OF THE WAR.

GOT

COMPARISON OF THE OPPOSING FLEETS.

v;

*T3

CO

Name.

SPANISH FLEET.
Reina Christina. .. . Steel. Cruiser 3,

520

Castilla Wood. Cruiser. 3,342

DonAntonia de Ulloa Iron. Cruiser. 1.130

Isla de Cuba Steel. Cruiser. 1,030

General Lezo . ... Iron. Gunboat.

Marques del Duero.. Iron. Des. vessel.

Elcano Iron. Gunboat.

Velasco Iron. Cruiser, i,

Mindanao Iron. Transp't. 4,

UNITED STATES FLEET.

Olympia... ... . Steel. Cruiser. 5,

Baltimore Steel. Cruiser. 4,

Raleigh Steel. Cruiser. 3

Boston Steel. Cruiser. 3

Petrel Steel. Gunboat.

McCulloch Steel. Rev, cut 'r 2

Six 6.2, two 2.
7, three 2.2, two
1.5, six 3-pdr.,
two machine

Four 5.9, two
4.7, two 2.3, four
2.9, eight R. F.,
two machine.

Four 4. 7, three
2.2, two 1 5, five
machine.

Four 47, four
6-pdr., two 3-
Ipdr., two mach.

Two 4.7, one
3 5, two R. F.,
one machine.

One 6.2, two
4.7, one machine

Three 4.7, two
R. F., two mach.

Three 5.9, two
2.7, two machine
195 gross tons.

Four 8, ten 5,
fourteen 6-pdr.,
six i-pdr., four
machine.

Four 8, six 6,
four 6-pdr., two
3-pdr., two 1-
pdr., six mach.

One 6, ten 5,
eight 6-pdr., four
i-pdr., two mach

Two 8, six 6,
two 6-pdr., two
3-pdr., six mach

Four 6, two 3-
pdr., one i-pdr.,
four machine.

Four 6-pdr.

524

59o

524

152

800

600

1S3

890

5- 17 5- 37o

2. 14.0. 300

2. 14.0. 130

3. 16.0. 160

2. 11. o. 100

10. o. 100

1. 11 5
— 14-3

116
173-

6. 21.6. 412

5. 20.6. 375'

1. 19 o. 312

15.0. 270

13-7-

13*

IOO»

SYMPOSIUM OF BEST THOUGHT.

Though I have that certain knowledge within me of the
truth of our own God-revealed religion, I would be a churl
indeed did I fail to accord others that respect and deference
due them, in the expression of their views, that I wish to
have accorded me, however they may differ in their opinions
or ideas from my way of thinking. — E. H. Lund, Ogden,
Utah.

Whenever anyone comes to me with disparaging re-
marks concerning my neighbor, I think to myself, "Beware
of the calumniator, for he may sell your reputation as cheaply
as he does your neighbors." — Wtn. J. Snow, Pine Valley,
Utah.

Could we grasp the hand of truth at all times, life would
be sweet indeed! — Priscilla J. Riter, Salt Lake City.

A lazy man is a disgrace to his country, an enemy to
God, and worse than an infidel. — C, W. Goodliffe, Rochester,
Kansas.

"There is nothing new under the sun" (Eccl. I: 9).
The best and the truest thoughts in art, science, literature,
and religion are but the faint and glimmering remembrances
of what we knew in our pre-existent state in the celestial
realms of the Father, and the nearer we live to the perfect
plan of the gospel of Christ, from the cradle to the grave, the
more bright and clear will those remembrances be. The
Holy Spirit but clears the mists of forgetfulness from our
eyes, allowing the past and present to come to our rememb-
rance, and mirror that which is to be. — Frank T. Pomeroy,
Mesa City, Arizona.

SYMPOSIUM OF BEST THOUGHT. 609

He who devotes his entire time to reading, knows theo-
retically everything, and practically nothing. Like faith with-
out works, theory without practice is dead, being alone. —
Samuel H. Wells, St. George, Utah.

What is freedom? The world would say it is the pri-
vilege of doing as we desire without being restrained by others.
Christ tells us to obey him and we shall know the truth and
the truth shall make us free. It is my privilege — no, I will
say duty — to seek diligently after all truth; and, finding it,
bind myself to it in the bonds of humble obedience, and then
I will be free indeed; free from the bondage of sin; free to be
all that God has made it possible for me to be; free to become
as God. — Hyrum Monson, Preston, Idaho.

In the bosom of everyone is implanted an emotion which
proclaims a soul in man; and from every soul springs heaven-
born adoration, the closest adjunct of humility. — G. A. Iver-
son, Manti, Utah.

We have statesmen, rulers, orators, poets, limners,
sculptors, musicians, warriors, etc. Though all these be of
the first rank, there is a something to be desired beyond
them — one who can say: Thus saith the Lord! A prophet
of God..— John Regnsts, Rock Springs, Wyoming.

As the child comes to earth he is the product of nature,
so called; as he reaches the goal of death he is the out put of
second nature. The product of the first, as to purity and in-
nocence, is uniform, that of the second as varied as the sands
along the beach. The deliverance of the child at the harbor
of death unchanged in these qualities is intrusted to the par-
ents first, and then to the community. Does either compre-
hend the magnitude of the responsibility? — David Hirschi,
Rockville, Utah.

Man's inclinations are to keep pace with man's inven-
tions, and in these days of steam power, electric motors and
rapid transit, we are prone to go a bit too fast. This is a
swift age — the spirit of speculation is rife, and a tendency to
rush blindly forward, without proper regard for probable con-
sequences, has plunged tens of thousands of our fellow crea-
te

610 IMPROVEMENT ERA.

tures into financial distress, and blasted, if not forever ruined,,
their temporal welfare. The allusion applies more particu-
larly to America and Americans. That is one picture. Now
look upon this: —

See the multitudes who are willing to plod through life,
content to eke out a miserable existence, without a hope for
the future or even a desire for advancement in either their
mental or material condition. Having fallen into a narrow
rut, or groove, they lack ambition to grow out of it, strength
of character is wanting and their condition is indeed pitiable.
A few years more and retrogression is the inevitable. Envy
takes the place of energy, and but for such the word moss-
back would never have been coined. This is the other ex-
treme. Avoid extremes. Strike a happy medium and there
will always be found ample latitude to satisfy any laudable
ambition. — E. H. Peirce, Salt Lake City.

EDITOR'S TABLE,

VALE GLADSTONE.

In the demise of William Ewart Gladstone, who peace-
fully died at Hawarden Castle, his home, about five o'clock
on the morning of the nineteenth of May, one of the great
characters of our great century passed away. For fifty years
he has been a dominating intellectual and political factor in
the affairs of the British empire. Even extraordinary men
are considered fortunate if they succeed in any one particular
line of activity; but on the scroll of fame where history
shall write Gladstone's name and Gladstone's deeds, she will
record him a statesman, an orator, and a man of letters — three
difficult fields in which to attain success — yet he in all suc-
ceeded!

About the quality of his statesmanship there will be
varying shades of opinion. Little minds who think the chief
intellectual virtue consists in perpetual adherence to opin-
ions once formed and expressed, will charge him with incon-
sistency; for he dared at times even to change his mind, not
only on one but many subjects. His state craft compared
with that of his brilliant rival — Disraeli — may seem to fall
somewhat below the all empire-embracing conceptions and
daring execution of bold plans of the all-but-prophet-Jew.
Yet when at last the contrast is drawn out to the finish it will
be found that their statesmanship differed in kind rather than
in degree of excellence, and about the quality and wisdom of
each man's work, men will forever be divided.

Of his power as an orator, of his learning as a man of
letters there will be and can be no question. It was the good

612 IMPROVEMENT ERA.

fortune of the writer of this to listen to him on one occasion
in the house of commons, in the winter of 1887. He spoke
that night in review of the County Government bill in-
troduced by the tories, then in power, and presented by Mr.
Richie. It was not a great question, that is, not one that in-
volved very widespread popular interest, and Mr. Gladstone
was waning in his physical powers, but for all that he held spell-
bound the parliament, and if anyone in the visitor's gallery
moved during the forty-five minutes which the great orator
spoke, the writer failed to mark it by sight or sound. His
personal appearance disappointed us. We looked for a man
of massive frame, and sturdy build — a sort of duplicate of
John Bright. It is so natural to associate physical with in-
tellectual power; and as we knew there was plenty of the lat-
ter in Mr. Gladstone, we looked for the former as well. But
there was nothing massive about Mr. Gladstone — except his
liead, and that was massive beyond all proportion with the
rather tall, spare body to which it was attached. That night
he sat on the first opposition bench with Sir William Har-
court on his right and Lord Hartington on his left. He
looked as if he were tightly squeezed in between them — and
perhaps he suffered in physical appearance because of the
contrast between himself and their sturdy frames. He sat
with arms folded, and his head bent slightly forward, while
his chin and lower part of the face seemed buried in the old-
fashioned standing collar he wore. It was not his habit to
sit with his legs merely crossed, but wonderfully entwined
with each other by we know not how many twistings. And
there he sat with his brilliant eyes following every movement
of the man he was expected soon to answer. Once in a while,
when some point of especial interest was approached, he
would hold one hand to his ear and lean forward. Several
times he suddenly untwined his legs and unfolded his arms,
nervously clutched Harcourt ,or Hartington, hurriedly
whispered to them, pushed them away again and then resumed
his attitude of listening. And it might be mentioned in passing
that he appeared to have the rare accomplishment of being a
good listener.

Mr. Richie's two hours' speech was over at last, and in the

EDITOR'S TABLE. 613

chorus of voices which addressed the chair and claimed
recognition, Mr. Gladstone's, clear and bell-like, rose above
the rest, he was instantly recognized — scilence became in-
tense and he who above all men has best claim among
Englishmen of this generation to the title — "The Great Com-
monor," began a careful but extemporaneous analysis of the
measure just presented. It was all so calm, clear and business-
like, that speaking of his; no straining after effect, no desire
to be eloquent — and yet it was eloquent. Once only did the
lightning flash that night. It was when he contrasted the
happy condition of England even under what he regarded as
an imperfect home County Government bill, with the wretched
state of Ireland who but recently had been denied the home
rule measure which he had but the year before successfully
carried through the house of commons only to have it de-
feated in the house of lords. But that one flash of lightning
from the soul, those few trumpet tones of stern but suppres-
sed indignation, were sufficient to reveal the power of that
eloquence which on every great occasion, for half a century, had
held the house of commons and the British nation entranced.

Great as Mr. Gladstone was in the field of statesmanship
and oratory and letters, we cannot help but feel that had he
devoted himself to it, he could have been equally great in the
ministry. There was much of the priest in him. And not-
withstanding his labors in other fields he has on a number of
occasions entered the lists and championed the cause of the
Christian religion. But nothing he has written in support of
the Christian religion will ever equal in force the splendid
upright Christian life he has led, and the noble patience with
which he has met the Christian's last foe — death.

It is not our purpose now, however, to enter further into
a consideration of this man's career. It affords us pleasure
to announce that in the next number of the Era will be pub-
lished an article on his Life and Character by Bishop O.
F. Whitney.

CAPTAIN R. W. YOUNG,

THE ERA'S CORRESPONDENT IN THE FAR EAST.

We are pleased to announce to the readers of the Era

614 IMPROVEMENT ERA.

that arrangements have been made with Captain Richard W.
Young, of Battery A., Utah Artillery Volunteers, to corres-
pond with the Era from the Philippine Islands, to which the
Utah Volunteers are enroute. The Era is gratified that it
will have so able a correspondent in the "Far East" — which,
by the way, to us in these latitudes is the "Far West" — as
Captain Young. He is a writer of well-known ability, having
written very many articles for the Contributor, the former
organ of the Improvement Associations, in addition to
his "History of the Nauvoo Legion," which was a series of
articles published in that magazine, and by which perhaps,
as a writer, he is best known. It should also be noted, in
passing, that Captain Young is a member of the General Board
of Y. M. M. I. A., and it was his interest in this work which
led him to become the correspondent of the organ of the Im-
provement Associations during the campaign in the Philip-
pines.

The "Far East" has suddenly become a mighty theatre
for the activity of the European nations, and the successful
coup de Main executed by Acting Admiral George Dewey, by
which the Spanish Pacific fleet was destroyed, has suddenly
brought the United States upon the same theatre of action,
where three months ago the European nations alone — except-
ing possibly Japan — seemed to be the only arbiters of the far
eastern situation. Not so now, however; for, as by an un-
foreseen act of providence, the United States has been thrust
upon the stage of action out there in the Pacific; and un-
doubtedly from now on will have to be accounted with in any
disposition that is made of affairs and nations whose shores
are washed by the waters of the Pacific. And who shall say
that it is not part of God's purpose to have the influence of
the United States felt in the changes that seem destined for
those Asiatic countries?

We feel profoundly impressed that the "Far East" will
be the storm center of international activity for some time to
come, and the readers of the Era may be assured that in Cap-
tain Young we shall have an occasional statement of the im-
portant events transpiring there from one who views them on
the spot, and who can intelligently indicate'their trend.

EDITOR'S TABLE. 615

PROGRESS OF THE WAR ARTICLE.

We call attention to the Era's progress of the War art-
icle. In it our readers will find a pretty full history of the
American-Spanish war from the commencement of hostilities
up to and including the splendid achievement of Commodore
— now Acting Admiral — George Dewey, at Manila bay. The
student will here find collected and arranged with as strict
regard for chronological order as the incidents related would
allow, the several official documents which bear upon the
events of the war as they have transpired. As well as being
intensely interesting reading at the present time, this article
and the others that are to follow on the same subject — for it
is our intention to write the current history of this war — will
be found valuable for reference. Indeed we take the oppor-
tunity afforded by this present war to point out the value of a
magazine which not only deals with current thought, relig-
ious, scientific and political, but which also deals with great
current events — the revolutions within and among nations;
the national and international plots and counter-plots; to-
gether with the rise and fall and policies of leading states-
men. It is true the daily press of the country deals with
these questions, but the daily papers are casually read and
cast aside. For individuals to keep them on file is out of the
question, and soon one loses the sequence and the relation
of current historical events unless he has some other medium
more convenient than the daily press through which to pre-
serve them, and to which he can refer. It is here that the
advantages of a magazine such as described above are made
apparent; and in a community where men regard it as a duty
as well as an intellectual pleasure to keep abreast of current
thought, and informed on passing historical events — the
monthly magazine that supplies the means that will enable
them to do this fills an honored place in current literature,
and cannot well be dispensed with. Such a function as this,
in connection with others, the Era is ambitious to perform,
and we feel confident that it is succeeding.

616 IMPROVEMENT ERA.

NOTES.

As indicative of the world's consumption of electrical
conductors, it is interesting to note that the total length of
the world's telegraph system has reached 4,908,823 miles, ex-
clusive of 181,440 miles of submarine cables. This mileage
is apportioned as follows — Europe, 1,764,790 miles; Asia,
310,685 miles; Africa, 99,419 miles; Australia, 217,479 miles,
America, 2,516,548 miles.

A farmer who should sit still and hope for a rich harvest
when he had neither prepared the ground nor sown the seed
would justly excite our ridicule; yet we do exactly the same
thing when we hope that the months or years may yield to us
fruits which we have never planted, and benefits which we
have never earned.

In the United Kingdom and the United States the an-
nual consumption of alcohol averages one gallon per head.

Give the world the same faith in God that Napoleon's
rank and file had in their general and the millennium would be
here in the twinkling of an eye. Our faith is too refrigerat-
ing, and our trust is so much like distrust that it is hard to
tell whether it is the one or the other. Enthusiasm for the
Almighty! You may not like the phrase, but you need what
it represents.

It is said that at the birth of a Japanese baby a treeps
planted, which must remain untouched until the marriage-
day of the child. When the nuptial hour arrives the tree is
cut down, and a skilled cabinet-maker transforms the wood
into furniture, which is considered by the young couple as the
most beautiful of all ornaments of the house.

It is a very crude and mistaken classification which
separates men into thinkers on the one hand and practical
men of action on the other. No one can be practical in any-
effective way without much thought, and for want of it many
excellent enterprises break down and come to naught.

EDITOR'S TABLE- 617

IN LIGHTER MOOD.

"Three different waiters at an hotel asked a prim,
precise little man at dinner if he would have soup. A little
annoyed, he said to the last waiter who asked the question,
"Is it compulsory?" "No, sir," said the waiter; "I think it's
mock turtle."

A schoolboy was asked to explain the formation of dew.
His answer was, "The earth revolves on its axis every
twenty-four hours, and, in consequence of the tremendous
pace at which it travels, it perspires freely." This reminds
us of the ready reply the Prophet Joseph Smith is said to
have made at a dinner party at Springfield, Illinois, on one
occasion. Quite a number of members of the state legislature,
and prominent jurists of the state were present. Many
questions were asked the prophet, some for information and
some with a view to puzzle him. Finally someone asked him
what caused the ebb and flow of the ocean tides. "The
earth breathes," was the quick response, "and the alternate
expansion and contraction of her surface occasions the tides. ""

"The people around the little mountain town called him
'Old Comparison,' and I knew in a general way, why the
sobriquet had been given him, but I did not, during my
month's stay, have an opportunity to test it, though I had a
speaking acquaintance with him. One day I was passing his
house, and he was sitting on the steps of the little vine-clad
porch in front. 'Good morning, I said. 'It's a lovely day.'
'Finer'n silk,' he responded. 'How are you this morning?'
'Friskier'n a colt.' 'How's your wife?' 'Pearter'n a pullet.'
'The weather is very hot and dry for the season, don't you
think?' 'Hotter'n a run horse, and drier'n a clean shirt.' 'I
suppose you went to the wedding last night in the meeting-
house ? A pretty bride, I thought. ' 'Putier'n a speckled dog. '
'The young man is rich, I hear.' 'Richer'n fertilizer a foot
thick.' 'By-the-way, are you willing to sell me those sawlogs
Brown couldn't take off your hands?' 'Williner'n a girl to
get spliced. ' 'When can I get them ?' 'Quicker'n a lamb can
shake his tail.' And the old man grabbed his hat and stick,
and led the way to the river, offering no remark, but answer-
ing all inquiries as usual."

OUR WORK,

THE SUGGESTIONS OF A PRESIDENT.

From the President of one of the associations in Sanpete County we
receive the following letter in relation to the work of the associations:

"I take this liberty in making a few suggestions regarding the future of
M. I. work. The present Manual has been an exceedingly interesting one
and great good has been done in its perusal here.

"But I am convinced that many Latter-day Saints' sons live too much
in the thoretical life of the noble characters and principles treated in the
various organizations of the church. There is a lack of the practical appli-
cation of these glorious truths.

"They halt at the thought that these lessons only refer to the greatest and
most talented of the earth, and not to subjects such as we. It does not
seem to reach the less determined and doubtful ones who most of all need to
be touched with a spirit of repentance, and research. They live only in
the theory of its granduer, never tasting of the sweetness of the fruits so
delicious to the fervent son of obedience.

How to reach their position in a most practical manner is the theme
that perplexes me. I have found when an ambition is aroused for a better
and higher sphere of life in a spiritual way there is sure to be a firm resolve
and successful action in reformation. This is pleasing to note that when
the chord is struck on the heart of the young man there is sure signs of a
radical change in his life. Now this is often done by a talk on such topics as
these, Love, Charity, Forgiveness, Faith, Duty, Humility, Patriotism, Meek-
ness, Fidelity, Virtue, Truth, Wisdom, Liberty, Happiness, Honesty, Moral
Sowing and Reaping, Habits, Union, Repentance, Kindness and Self-Respect,
etc., etc. Now these reach into every act of life in a practical way of ad-
vancement, and if woven into life there is no fear as to the conduct of th e
student of improvement.

"From my own experience I see more results from the talks on such sub-
jects as these than the beautiful references to the orientals. The scripture
seems to be so foreign to some of our backward boys until they are touched
with a deep spirit of reformation; then they delve into the sacred law with
.zeal. It then becomes a well spring of life to them, but never before.
Death and life are in the power of the tongue and they that love it shall eat

OUR WORK. 619

'the fruits thereof (Prov. 18-21,) Samuel Smiles, works, "Duty," "Charac-
ter," etc., also J. G. Holland's work, such as "Gold Foil, " "Letters to Young
Folks" etc., are valuable converters to the highest aims of life. These are
only a few suggestions in my rude way. I am deeply interested in the wel-
fare of the youth of Zion and in my humble manner take observations con-
tinually to gain a new point for more rapid strides of promotion in their
ranks. May God give the ■wisdom of complete success in every effort of
the general board to the end we desire to reach.

Your Brother in Truth, etc.

We are pleased to receive such letters as these in relation to our work,
and only hope that more presidents and members who have an interest in
the cause of Improvement will favor the Era with their suggestions.

Relative to the suggestion of our brother that more direct attention be
paid to practical ethics in our association exercises, and that works treat-
ing on such subjects as he enummerates take the place of the scriptures,
which are now so largely used in our program exercises — we would say:

First, there is and can be no objection whatever to the suggested
"talks" on the subjects enumerated, Love, Charity, Virtue, Truth, Wis-
dom, Liberty, Kindness, Self-respect, etc.; and we are of opinion that ample
opportunity can be obtained for such talks without interfering with the pro-
gram of work laid out for each season in the Manuals. It is not the inten-
tion that the Manual course shall occupy the entire time of the meetings.
One of the considerations which so far has persuaded the General Board to
present in the Manual course only one line of study has been that there
might be left a margin of time to the respective associations to introduce
other exercises than those provided in the Manual course; and we know of
nothing more worthy to engage the attention of our young men at such
times than brief talks or essays on such subjects as those proposed by our
correspondent. But to make up our entire program of exercises on such
themes would be unwise for the reasoa that oar young men would weary of
them. Honey is good, but too much honey causeth to vomit. So instruction

in ethics is good, but too much ethics ! We are of opinion that there

is opportunity sufficient outside the Manual course to introduce as far as it
would be prudent to do so the exercises proposed by our correspondent.

Second: In all our exercises in the associations we should not lose
sight of the primary object for which our associations were called into be-
ing, namely:

' ' That our young me7i may grow in a comprehension of and faith in
the holy principles of the gospel of eternal salvation; and furthermore
have an opportu?iity to and be encouraged in bearing testimony to and
speaking of the truths of our holy religio?i. Let the consideration of
.these truths a?id principles be the ground-work and leading idea of
every such association; and on this foundation of faith in God's great
. latter-day work, let the members build all useful knowledge, by which
.they may be useful in the establishment of his kingdom "

With such a purpose as this before us our Improvement associations

620 IMPROVEMENT ERA.

can never turn away from the study of the scriptures, or even give the study
of them a subordinate place in their exercises, as they contain the authorita-
tive declaration of the doctrines, a knowledge of which our organization is
to help our young men acquire.

Morever, the teachings of the holy scriptures, both in their precepts
and in the examples they furnish in the lives of men, are necessarily the
authoritative text books on Christian ethics. And nothing that moralists
have written can equal their utterances on morality — in other words,
righteousness.

No, let us not put aside Moses and the prophets, Christ and the apos-
tles, the Nephite prophets and Joseph Smith, for Samuel Smiles and John
G. Holland, or any other moralists. And yet let us not neglect to read the
works of these last named, for much of what they have said is good and
true, and helps one to appreciate the beauty and glory of what the scrip-
tures teach; for it was at the sun-blaze of the scriptures they lighted their
tapers, and under its flame they fastened their pilgrim ■ sandal-shune, "
and with profit we may read what they have thought out under the in-
fluence of scripture teaching. Our position with respect of such teachers
and such teachers' works is this: Jesus condemned the scribes and the
pharisees because they paid tithes on mint and anise and cummin, but
omitted observance of the weightier matters of the law — judgment, mercy
faith. Because Jesus condemned them for neglecting the weightier matters,
of the law, it does not follow that he would not have them pay tithes on mint
and anise and cummin; for this he said they ought to have done, but not to
have left the other undone. So in our studies let us not neglect to read and
talk about the writings of approved moralists — let us pay our tithes on mint
and anise and cummin; but in doing so, let us not neglect the weightier mat-
ters of the law — the study of the scriptures, both ancient and modern. Let
us seek through this study to impart to our youth faith in God — the
foundation of all righteousness; and faith in God's great latter-day work, the
dispensation of the fullness of times, in which God will gather together in one
all things in Christ; both things which are in heaven and in earth, even in
him.

Y. M. M. I. A. ANNUAL CONFERENCE.

As this number of the Era comes to the hands of our readers the An-
nual Conference of the associations will be in session. It will undoubtedly
be a very important conference, full of interest and fruitful in suggestion
and plans for the future success of the great cause of Mutual Improvement.

Mutual Improvement last year took a mighty stride forward, this year
the forward movement must be maintained and still more progress be made.
Whether this shall be done or not depends largely on what measures shall
be adopted by this conference, and the enthusiasm it shall generate. We
do not doubt its success. We have confidence in its wisdom, it will con-

OUR WORK. 621

sent to no steps backward being taken. Full minutes of its proceedings
will be published in the July number of the Era.

A CORRECTION.

In the report of our M. I. A. missionary work, published in the last
issue of the Era, the name of Alma Ash, of Salt Lake City, was omitted
from the list of missionaries who labored in Davis and Tooele Stakes, and
the name of J. C. Knudsen, of Provo, inserted. Elder Ash labored in
Davis and Tooele, and Elder Knudsen only in Utah Stake.

ENCOURAGEMENT FOR "BUSY" MEN.

Our active young men in M. I. A. work who may be
tempted to think at times they are too crowded with work
may be comforted with the following reflections which we
clip from a contemporary:

Men who have "half a dozen irons in the fire" are not
the men to go crazy. It is the man of voluntary or compelled
leisure who mopes, and pines, and thinks himself either into
the mad house or the grave. Motion is all nature's law.
Action is man's salvation, both physical and mental. And
yet nine out of ten are wistfully looking forward to the coveted
hour when they shall have leisure to do nothing, or some-
thing only if they "feel like it" — the very siren which has
lured to death many a successful man. He only is truly wise
who lays himself out to work till life's latest hour; and he is
the man who will live the longest, and will live to the most
purpose.

EVENTS OF THE MONTH,

BY THOMAS HULL, SECRETARY OF THE GENERAL BOARD Y. M. M. I. A.

As this issue of the Era contains an elaborate account of the progress of"
the Spanish-American War, which will be followed each month with the-
continued history of the contest, many war events are omitted from this
department.

April i 2th: The senate rejected the nomination of H. N. McGrew as
register of the land office at Salt Lake City. * * * Consul
General Lee arrives in Washington today and was met by thousands of
people and given an ovation. * * * General Lee was before
the committee on foreign relations late today. He said that in his opinion
there was no room to doubt that the destruction of the Maine was due to
Spanish agencies.

13th: A most disgraceful scene occurred in the house of representatives
today, when the report of the committee on foreign affairs was presented,
over the question of the length of time to be allowed for debate. Members
fought like madmen and pandemonium reigned for a time. Disgraceful
personalties were indulged in and personal encounters occurred.

14th: General Fitzhugh Lee today was tendered a reception but de-
clined to accept. * * * A meeting of the Spanish Cabinet at
which the Queen Regent presided was held this afternoon in Madrid. It
was decided to reopen the Spanish parliament on Wednesday next, April
20th, instead of April 25th.

15th: Orders were issued today for the concentration of six regiments
of cavalry, twenty-two regiments of infantry and the light batteries of five
regiments of artillery, at four points in the south, viz. Chickamauga, New
Orleans, Tampa and Mobile.

20th: The 24th Infantry left Salt Lake this morning to join the troops
being concentrated in the South. * * * The senate today con-
firmed Frank D. Hobbs as register of the land office at Salt Lake City. *
* * Senor Polo, Spanish minister at Washington, upon receiving
notice that the President had signed the joint resolution of congress on the
Cuban question asked for and received his passports. He left for Canada
in the evening. * * * The house today passed as an emergency
war measure the bill empowering the President to call out the volunteer
forces and providing for their organization.

21st: Postmaster-general Gary has tendered his resignation and
Charles Emory Smith was nominated by the President and confirmed as his
successor.

25th: Secretary of State John Sherman tendered his resignation to the
President today.

26th: Governor Heber M.Wells today issued a proclamation calling
for volunteers to serve in the army of the United States. The approximate
number of men called for is five hundred. * * * Seven men were

EVENTS OF THE MONTH. (S23

killed today by an explosion at the California powder works at Santa Cruz.
* * * The senate today passed the army reorganization bill,
passed by the house on the 23rd inst. The bill increases the army when
at maximum strength to 61,000 men.

27th: The American fleet sailed from Hongkong today, headed for
Manila.

28th: In a letter addressed to Governor Heber M. Wells, the First
Presidency express the hope that Latter-day Saints, citizens of Utah, "will
be found ready to respond with alacrity to the call which is made upon our
state" for volunteers.

May 1st: Governor Wells telegraphed the War Department today
that Utah's quota of volunteers is filled and that the men will be at Fort
Douglas ready to be mustered into service on May 5th.

3rd: A special dispatch from Madrid announces that the war will be
pushed by Spain with greater vigor.

4th: Governor Wells this evening appointed Richard W. Young and
Frank A. Grant captains of companies A and B respectively, Utah (volun-
teer) Light Artillery.

5th: Riots, caused by the high price and scarcity of food, are prevalent
in the provinces of Spain.

6th: Serious bread riots occurred today in central and northern
Italy. Troops have been called out and many persons killed.

8th: Governor Wells today named Joseph E. Caine for captain of the
troop of cavalry included in Utah's quota of volunteers. * *

General Stewart L. Woodford, United States minister to Spain, arrived
in New York today.

gth: The two batteries of Utah's artillery were mustered into service
today. * * * In accordance with the suggestion of the Presi-
dent, congress today passed a vote of thanks to Commodore Dewey and the
senate passed a bill increasing the number of rear-admirals in the navy in
order that the President might appoint Commodore Dewey. A joint resolu-
tion was also passed directing the secretary of the navy to present a sword
to Commodore Dewey, and to have a bronze medal struck in commemora-
tion of the battle of Manila, to be presented to each of the officers and men
who took part in the battle, * * * The riots in Italy continue.
In Milan whole streets have been torn up by the mob. * * * A
serious riot occurred today at Linares, Spain. Many were killed.

10th: A mother's congress was held today in Salt Lake City and a
permanent organization effected.

nth: Dispatches received today in London state that during the
riots in Milan, Italy, one thousand persons were arrested, six hundred killed
and two thousand wounded.

j 2th: The British Secretary for the Colonies, Hon. Joseph Chamber-
lain, made a speech at Birmingham, England, this evening in which he
strongly advocated an Anglo-Saxon alliance. His address was greeted with
cheers.

ijth: The Utah company of rough riders left Salt Lake City this
evening for Cheyenne. * * * Edward Remenyi, the great vio-
linist, fell dead this afternoon in San Francisco, while playing before an
enthusiastic audience in the Orpheum theater. * * * The

members of the Spanish cabinet today tendered their resignations.

BOOK REVIEW.

POPULAR CUSTOMS.

We have received from the house of J. B. Lippincott Company, Phila-

624 IMPROVEMENT ERA.

delphia, a copy of "Curiosities of Popular Customs, and of Rites,
Ceremonies, Observances and Miscellaneous Antiquities," by William
S. Walsh. The work is a volume of more than a thousand pages, and yet
of such form as not to be an unhandy volume. It is profusely illustrated
with many rare cuts and engravings that add a charm to the subjects treated.
It is a valuable encyclopedia on the curiosities of popular customs, and yet
is an amusing as well as an instructive volume. One that will help the
"busy man" pass a pleasant hour, as well as being indispensable as a work
of reference to the student; for Mr. Walsh seems indeed to have explored all
the odd nooks and corners of literature, and has brought from their hiding
places and mingled with more serious information, an abundance of amusing
anecdotes and queer sayings. In the libraries of our Improvement Associ-
ations it would be a very great help in furnishing materials for lectures and
essays, and as such we commend it to the consideration of the librarians
•of our associations and to young men generally.

USEFUL TRACTS FOR IMPROVEMENT ASSOCIA-
TIONS.

Rays of Living Light is the title of a series of twelve tracts by Elder
Charles W. Penrose, of the Salt Lake Stake of Zion. It is the object of
the writer of these tracts to set forth the faith of the Latter-day Saints in a
brief and yet lucid manner. In this task Elder Penrose has succeeded
most admirably. Starting in number one, with the self-evident proposition
that there can be but one true religion, and in number two defining the doc-
trine of the Church of Christ concerning the Godhead, he proceeds suc-
cessively with the several doctrines of the church and with the points of
controversy which have arisen between the saints and the world in the
course of presenting the gospel to this generation. We are not saying, of
course, that these doctrines and points of controversy receive elaborate
treatment, the space which Elder Penrose allotted himself and the nature of
the purpose precluded that, but the stranger who desires to learn in brief the
faith of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints cannot do better
than read this series of tracts. The saints having friends in any part of the
world where the English language is spoken cannot do better, if they desire
to start those friends upon a course of inquiry concerning the restored gos-
pel, than to send them this series of tracts. It is to be hoped, too, that
Rays of Living Light will be translated into other languages, that they may
be used in all the world. To the elders traveling and preaching the gospel
they will unquestionably be received with great delight, as especially help-
ful in their work. One other use we would suggest in relation to them —
they should be used at home for the conversion of our unconverted youth.
During the past winter a very great number of young men have been
brought into the Improvement Associations. Many of them are not pro-
foundly converted to the faith of their fathers, and that for the reason that
they have never investigated it, have given it no thought; to such the Era
commends the Rays of Living Light, and we suggest that officers of the as-
oaciations call the attention of such members of the associations to these
strcts and encourage them to read them. Elder Penrose for nearly half a
century has been an exponent and defender of the faith. No man in the
church, perhaps, has ever excelled him in clearness and directness of style
in writing, and in nothing he has written does his terseness of expression
and clearness of style appear to better advantage than in this last service he
has rendered the Church,

THE BAIN

FARM AND FREIGHT

WAGONB.

Walter A. Wood

Minnie Harvesters and Bind-
ers, Tubular Steel Mowers
and Minnie Hay Rakes. The
Wood's line was sold in Utah
earlier than any other mach-
ines. The volume of trade
has steadily increased and

Sold exclusively by the
Co-operative Wagon &
Machine Co., in Utah and
Idaho.

prospects for 1898 are that all
previous records will be ex-
celled.

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in Utah and Idaho.

A CELEBRATED CASE.

THE BEST LINE

There is only
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STEEL

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During 1897
there were sold in
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60 ou t fi t s , all
manufactured by

-vln the* lA/01-ld^

IS MADE BY

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. n. co.,

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JOHN DEERE & CO.,

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Cooperative Wagon & Machine Co.,

JjExclusive Agents in Utah and Idaho for all above : linesTj};

HEBER J. QRAN, President,

GEO, T. ODELL,

General Manager.

JOSEPH F. SMIH, Vice-Pres.

M. D. WELLS,

Secretary & Treasurer.

2$. O. M. I.

OFFICERS; , SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH. doctors"

„.,..„„ -....„„., _. ., . Jos. F. Smith, P. T. Farnsworth,
WILFORD WOODRUFF, President. ^^ H.J. Grant, J R. Barnes,
GEO. d. CANHMi, Vice-President. :=S^r"^lP^ G. Romney, John Henry Siiith,
THOS. G. WEBBER, Seoretary. J„ \- Winder, F. M. Lyman,
. Ttr .,„M„ „ H. Din«roidey, Anthon H. Lund,
A. W. CARLSON, Treasurer. ^„^ „ ...:._-.-. ,n„n Wm H MnTimre
! ORGANIZED 1868. wm. a. aotni're.

[Manufacturers, Importers and Dealers in

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T. G. WEBBER, Superintendent.

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